Sunday School Lessons

SEPTEMBER 10 & 17, 2017

JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (PART I)

INTRODUCTION:

1. At the close of the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus retired to the Mount of Olives, then returned to the Temple the next morning where He sat and taught a great multitude of people. (Verse 1) The scribes and Pharisees, who had all retired to their own homes after failing to apprehend Jesus at the feast, also returned to the temple the next morning. They intruded into the sacred assembly bringing with them a woman that was taken in the act of adultery, forcing Jesus to deal with her. (Verses 2-5)
2. The scribes and Pharisees were tempting Him, hoping to find reason to accuse Jesus, either of opposing the Law of Moses, or of usurping the government of Rome. (Verse 6) Jesus did not fall into their trap, but instead, translated the incident from a judicial matter into a moral one, bringing great conviction of conscience on the part of the accusers. (Verses 6b-9)
3. Christ’s enemies will, throughout the rest of this chapter, become more and more aggressive in their opposition until they accuse Him of being demon possessed (Verse 48) and finally try to stone Him. (Verse 59)
4. Nevertheless, Jesus used this occasion of the gathered multitude to proclaim by repeated declarations His Person and work.
5. Jesus continued to represent Himself as the true fulfillment of those miraculous provisions that sustained Israel in the wilderness.
6. In the previous chapter Jesus declared Himself to be the Rock from which comes the water of life. In this chapter He applies the pillar of cloud and fire to Himself, declaring that He is THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

I. JESUS DECLARES HIMSELF TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. (VERSES 12-20)

A. HERE IS JESUS’ BOLD AND REMARKABLE TESTIMONY. (VERSE 12)
1. Considering the present circumstances, one might wonder what it was that caused Jesus to here make this declaration.
a) Some believe it may have been the use of the bright candelabras used during the feast.
b) Jesus is the Light of the World; He is that Light that lighteth every man; He had just shown Himself as a bright light upon the human conscience. (Verse 9)
c) However, having boldly declared Himself to be the true source of living water, i.e. the Rock from whence the waters flow, the connection is more likely the pillar of cloud and fire, that follow Israel in the wilderness.
d) Jesus did thus make the Feast of Tabernacles to speak of His own person. As the Feast commemorated the wilderness experience, Jesus shows particularly how both their source of water and light were emblems of Himself.
2. This was a declaration of His Divine nature, since “light” represents the nature of God. (I John 1:5)
a) “Light” speaks of the perfection of moral and spiritual good.
b) “Light” is the opposite of all darkness and night.
c) “Light” represents God’s goodness (light, warmth, energy).
d) Christ will very soon declare plainly His Divine nature. (Verses 23, 24)
3. We are to follow Christ as Israel followed God in the wilderness.
4. Believing followers are to have the light of life.
a) The light of life.
b) The light of communion with God.
c) The light which illuminates the understanding, thus showing the way.
5. There is a human response implied in both of these declarations which Jesus made at the Feast.
a) First the receiving by faith: “Let him come unto me and drink.” (Ch. 7:37)
b) Then the obedient life. “He that followeth me.” (Ch. 8:12)

B. NEXT WE HAVE THE OBJECTION TO THIS TESTIMONY RAISED BY THE PHARISEES. (VERSE 13)
1. Many were already gone, but these Pharisees still remained.
2. Their objection was based in the fact that He was the lone witness, and He witnessed of Himself.
3. They concluded that His witness, claiming to be “the light” was not true.

C. HERE IS JESUS’ ANSWER TO THIS OBJECTION. (VERSES 14-19)
1. Previously, Jesus had willingly accepted the position of the common man, taking the position of a devout Israelite. (Ch. 5:31)
2. Here, however, He asserted Himself, and claimed His rightful position.
3. He declared a clear knowledge of Himself and His mission. (Verse 14)
a) He knew that He is the God-man.
b) He knew that He came from on high.
c) He knew the beginning and end of His earthly mission.
d) His enemies, however, remained in their native ignorance. “But ye cannot tell…”
4. Jesus contrasted their judgment and His. (Verses 15, 16)
a) They judged Him “after the flesh,” as He appeared to natural sight, as a mere man.
b) Jesus judged no man in such a manner as that, apart from Divine knowledge.
c) Yet where He did judge it was true, because it was not His judgment alone, but also that of His Father Who sent Him.
5. Jesus then appealed to the Law to confirm His testimony. (Verses 17, 18)
a) The Law required two witnesses to be valid. (Deut. 17:6; 19:15)
b) Jesus showed that He had fulfilled this requirement.
(1) As to His judgment of the world.
(2) As to His testimony concerning Himself.
c) Before, He had made the miracles which He did to be one witness. (Ch. 5:36) He now alludes to His inner life and knowledge of God.
(1) Everyone who truly perceives God knows the stamp of Jesus’ Divine authority.
(2) It is by this inner light that Jesus is the Light of the World.
6. The Jews persisted in asking to see the second witness. “Where is thy father?” (Verse 19)
a) They lacked all spiritual understanding.
b) Had they been given eyes to see who He was beyond His humanity, they would have known His Father also. (Verse 19b; Ch. 14:9)

D. JOHN ADDS AN IMPORTANT HISTORICAL NOTATION. (VERSE 20)
1. Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, which was next to where the Sanhedrin met for judgment.
2. Jesus spoke these things under the very ears of His worst enemies, and yet they took Him not, for “His hour was not yet come.”

II. JESUS DECLARES HIS TRUE NATURE AND WORK. (VRS. 21-30) This He had already strongly implied in the preceding testimony, but here there is no misunderstanding so as to prompt the question, “Where is thy father?”

A. JESUS ADMONISHED THEM REGARDING THE BRIEF WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY THAT HIS PRESENCE AFFORDED THEM. (VERSES 21, 22)
1. Their only Savior is to be with them but for “a little while.” (See Ch. 7:33-36)
2. He said, “I go my way,” i.e. back to heaven. Once they had rejected Him, heaven would be closed to them forever. “Whither I go, ye cannot come.”
3. They would afterward seek Him, but their seeking would not be of faith.
4. Only perdition would be left for them, “and ye shall die in your sins.”
a) The “sin” here is singular: i.e. unbelief.
b) Unbelief is the mother of all sins.
c) Unbelief shuts out from God, and causes souls to perish.
5. To this admonition the Jews responded with mockery. (Verse 22)

B. JESUS DECLARED HIMSELF TO BE THE GREAT “I AM.” (VERSES 23-27)
1. Jesus’ Divine nature formed a great abyss between Himself and them. (Verse 23)
a) “From beneath” and “from above” express the opposites in nature.
b) “Of this world” and “not of this world” speak of opposites in moral disposition. “World” is used in a moral sense.
c) One may be “from beneath” by nature and not be “of the world,” by tendency, as a consequence of the new birth.
2. Jesus declared Himself to be the great “I am,” and the only bridge between heaven and earth. (Verse 24)
a) He summed up the entire essence of faith in “if ye believe not that I am He…”
b) By this same expression Jehovah often summed up what He was to Israel. (Deut. 32:39; Isa. 43:10, 11)
c) Jesus here claimed His Divine place as the only God and Savior.
d) Those who do not believe in Him just surely perish.
3. Jesus showed that His words were an adequate expression of His nature. (Verse 25)
a) Although Jesus had been clear about who He was, He had not specifically spoken of Himself as “The Christ.” This accounts for the Jews’ question: “Who art thou?” (Verse 25a)
b) Jesus answered, “Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.” (Verse 25b)
(1) He said, “I am exactly what I have been telling you from the first.” (T.A.B.)
(2) Or it may be construed that He said, “I am the beginning.” (John 1:1)
4. Jesus continued His authoritative pronouncement of judgment. (Verse 26)
a) His judgment was not His own merely, but His Father’s Who sent Him. “I speak…those things which I have heard of him.”
b) Thus, they are “TRUE” judgments, that is, they are altogether righteous. (Psa. 19:9)
5. The Jews did not understand that He was speaking of the Father. (Verse 27)

C. JESUS PREDICTED HIS FINAL VINDICATION. (VERSES 28-30)
1. It was to take place only after He was “lifted up.” (Verse 28)
a) This includes His crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and glorification.
b) By putting Jesus to death, they were, in fact, exalting Him to His throne.
2. This recognition would not result in the salvation of all, yet it fully vindicates Jesus as the Son of God.
a) That He spoke only the things that the Father gave Him to say.
b) That the Father did not fully or forever forsake the Son.
c) That the Son did and does fully satisfy the Father’s righteousness for sinners.
3. Thank God, there were some who did believe that His testimony was true, and they believed on Him.
a) While some, the rulers in particular, were asking, “Who art thou?” not seeing that He was the Christ; others were convinced, even though He did not use the term. Who else could this one be?
b) While the Pharisees who were present “understood not that He spake to them of the Father,” many others who heard Him did understand, and believed on Him.
c) As it was so it is still, that while these things are often hidden from wise and prudent, God has revealed them unto babes. (Matt. 11:25)

AUGUST 27, 2017

JESUS AT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (PART II)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Of the three main yearly feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles, according to Josephus, became the most significant.
2. This feast was to remind Israel of her days in the wilderness, when the people lived in tents and moved from place to place, and had no permanent home.
3. During their forty years sojourn in the wilderness, God met the needs of His people by many miraculous interventions, of which none was more notable than His giving them water from the rock.
4. Remembrance of this provision was made each day of the Feast as a priest and the people performed the Ceremony of the Libation. After the morning sacrifice, a priest would lead the people from the Temple to the Fountain of Siloam, where he would fill a golden pitcher and return to the Temple amid the cheering throng and ceremoniously pour the water out at the Brazen Altar.
5. Just as Jesus used the wilderness provision of manna to declare Himself as the true Bread from Heaven, He now keys on this very important Old Testament type to present Himself as that Rock which is the source of living water.

I. HERE WE HAVE JESUS’ GREAT AND BOLD PROCLAMATION THAT HE IS THE TRUE SOURCE OF THE WATER OF LIFE. (VERSES 37-39)

A. THIS PROCLAMATION IS IN LINE WITH HIS FORMER DECLARATIONS.

1. With respect to the miraculous provisions which God gave to Israel in the wilderness, Jesus had revealed Himself to be the true fulfillment of each of those types.
a) In chapters one and two, He was presented as the true Tabernacle. “The word was made flesh and dwelt (or tabernacle) among us.” (Ch. 1:14) In chapter two, He presented Himself as the true Temple. (Ch. 2:19-21)
b) In chapter three, He represented Himself as the true brazen serpent. (Ch. 3:14, 15)
c) In chapter six, He declared that He is the true Bread from Heaven; the true Manna. (Ch. 6:30-35)
d) In this chapter, Jesus declares that He is the true Rock from which the water of life flows. (See I Cor. 10:1-4)
2. Thus Jesus has shown from the particular circumstances of each feast that the old covenant is realized in His own person.

B. JESUS NOW INVITES THE PEOPLE TO HIMSELF, TO RECEIVE THAT SPIRITUAL DRINK THAT SATISIFIES THIRSTY SOULS. (VERSE 37)
1. This He did on the climactic “last day of the feast.”
2. He cried aloud so that all of the great crowd could hear. (Compare Isa. 55:1)
2. He invited the thirsty to come and drink.
a) “Thirst” was the desperate condition of the people in the wilderness. (Exo. 17:1-6)
b) “Thirst” is the emblem of our spiritual need. (Matt. 5:6; Psa. 107:9)
c) All who are in such need are but to “come” to Him and to “drink.”
d) They are to come to Christ Himself for He is the true Rock from whom the living water flows.

C. JESUS PROMISES A PRECIOUS BOON TO ALL WHO COME. (VERSE 38)

1. Coming to Christ is believing on Him. In Verse 38, Jesus explains what He meant by “come unto me” in Verse 37. “He that believeth on me.’ (Verse 38a)
2. Partaking of Christ, i.e. coming to Him and drinking of Him, completely satisfies the trusting soul, and makes it to overflow with blessings. (Verse 38)
a) First, the believer has his own thirst quenched. This spiritual thirst had found no source of satisfaction; it had been insatiable until it was brought to the Rock.
b) Second, the believer shall have the wherewithal to quench the thirst of others. “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
(1) Here He suggests the means by which the world shall hear the Gospel and be saved.
(2) This also implies that every true believer shall desire to be, and shall be a source of life to others; to family members, neighbors, and friends.
c) The believer has these living waters within his or her innermost being.
d) This most powerfully speaks of complete spiritual satisfaction!
3. This is all according to the Old Testament scriptures. “As the scripture hath said…”
a) It is set forth in the type. (Exo. 17:6)
b) It was according to the Old Testament promises. (Isa. 44:3; 55:1; 58:11)

D. JOHN EXPLAINS JESUS’ PROMISE AS BEING ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT. (VERSE 39)
1. In a general way Jesus’ promise is realized in believers of all ages.
a) Personal satisfaction is the result of faith.
b) “Living water” is forgiveness of sin, and eternal life in the soul. Where these are lacking an insatiable thirst exists that no other fountain can satisfy. Only Jesus can satisfy a thirsty soul. (Isa. 12:2, 3)
2. Yet particularly, a more advanced stage of God’s redemptive plan in here announced.
a) There was to be a new covenant giving of the Holy Spirit. (Verse 39a)
b) In this sense the Holy Spirit was not yet given. (Verse 39b)
(1) Old Testament believers had the Spirit, but not as a constant habitation of Him.
(2) Before Pentecost the Apostles received the Spirit, but were not themselves fountains of living water.
(3) This they became by the New Covenant gift of the Holy Spirit. (See John 14:17)
c) This awaited Jesus’ glorification. (Verse 39c)
(1) Jesus must first die for our sins.
(2) He must then arise from the dead.
(3) This especially speaks of His exaltation to glory.
(4) He would according to His promise send the Holy Spirit. (John 14:16-18; 16:7)

II. THIS RESULTED IN DIVISIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE. (VERSES 40-53)

A. FIRST, THOSE WHO WERE INCLINED TO HIM WERE DIVIDED. (VERSES 40, 41)
1. Some took Him for “the prophet,” or it may be read a prophet. (Verse 40) It is not certain if they meant the prophet of whom Moses spoke (Deut. 18:18); or Elias, of whom Malachi spoke (Mal. 4:5); or some other prophet, for some think the Jews expected another prophet besides Elias before the coming of Messiah.
2. Some however, were convinced Jesus was the Christ. (Verse 41a)

B. THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE OF OPINIONS AMONG HIS ENEMIES. (VERSES 41b-44)
1. Some were apparently impressed, but could not get past the fact that He came from Galilee. (Verses 41b-43)
a) They assumed that He could not have come out of Bethlehem, the city of David, since they knew that He and His family were from Galilee.
b) It is a great tragedy when people reject Christ because of some assumed discrepancy or other contrived difficulty.
2. Others, who were avowed enemies, were ready to take Jesus by force. (Verse 44)
a) With these, there was no need for debate; they had decided that Jesus must die.
b) Notice yet another instance of God’s deliverance until the appointed hour should come. “But no man laid hands on Him.”
c) The reason He was not taken was that the officers who were dispatched to apprehend Him were themselves, captivated by His speech. (Verse 45)

C. THERE WAS A DIVISION EVEN AMONG MEMBERS OF THE SANHEDRIN. (VERSES 45-53)
1. Their officers give an unintentional acknowledgment of Jesus. (Verses 45, 46)
2. The rulers derided the officers, suggesting that that they had been duped, allowing themselves to be taken in by a deceiver. (Verse 47)
3. They suggested that the officers had shamed themselves by not following the example of their highly esteemed rulers, and by not submitting to their superior wisdom. (Verse 48) this is a tactic commonly used by the intellectuals, so called, in order to keep their students from questions their dogma.
4. Out of the great pride of their hearts the rulers vilify the people as unlearned in the Law. They were “cursed,” i.e. contemptible, and not to be regarded as to their judgment. (Verse 49)
5. One of their own stood up to expose their false pretenses. (Verses 50, 51)
a) Nicodemus was clearly not “unlearned” and contemptible, but rather a highly respected teacher in Israel.
b) He had heard Jesus, and knew what He was able to do, both as to outward miracles, and inward heart-transforming works.
6. His fellow members of the Sanhedrin remained closed-minded and shot him down. (Verse 52)
a) In reproach they said, “Art thou also of Galilee?” Of course, they knew he was not a Galilean.
b) By their second question, they exposed their own ignorance of Scripture, for Nahum and Jonah were both Galileans. But suppose it were true; what did that have to do with Jesus, Who was born in Bethlehem of Judea?
7. In spite of all, the majority held to their prejudice view. (Verses 52, 53)

July 30/ August 6, 2017

INTRODUCTION:

1. There were three main annual feasts held at Jerusalem which the faithful of Israel celebrated.
a) The Passover was held in April.
b) Pentecost was held in June, fifty days after Passover.
c) The Feast of Tabernacles was held in October the last feast of the year.
2. The last time Jesus had been in Jerusalem was back in March, seven months before, when He was there for the Feast of Purim. (Ch. 5:1) The rulers had at that time plainly revealed their murderous intentions, thus Jesus escaped to Galilee. (Vs. 1)
3. The Synoptic Gospels record Jesus’ busy itinerary as He walked in Galilee preaching and healing.
4. Jesus’ first appearance in Jerusalem after the long absence would find the Jews’ hatred still strong and their desire to kill Him still unchanged.
5. The events of this chapter occurred with Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles.

I. FIRST, JOHN RECORDS THE INTERESTING EXCHANGE BETWEEN JESUS AND HIS NATURAL BROTHERS PRIOR TO HIS GOING UP TO JERUSALEM FOR THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. (VRS. 1-9)

A. THIS IS PREFACED BY FACTS ALREADY IN EVIDENCE. (VERSE 1)

1. Jesus had been for seven months confirming His ministry in Galilee. (Verse 1a; Ch. 6:1)
2. The reason is clearly given. (Verse 1b)
3. During this period He would have quite understandably been more accessible to His natural family.
4. The mighty works which He did in Galilee were well known to His brethren, and had been witnessed by them.

B. JESUS’ BRETHREN URGED HIM TO TAKE THE OCCASION OF THIS FEAST TO PUBLICLY PROCLAIM HIMSELF MESSIAH. (VERSES 2-4)

1. This great feast promised a large gathering.
a) It had perhaps the largest attendance of all the feasts.
b) It was held in the month of October to celebrate the end of harvest.
c) The Jews built “tabernacles” or tents in which they lived for the week, pitching these temporary houses on rooftops in public squares, and along the roads.
2. His brethren pointed out that Jerusalem was the appropriate place for Messiah to be manifested.
3. They urged upon Him a public and official display of His Messianic powers.
4. Since so many of His followers in Galilee had left Him (Ch. 6:66), and in Judea He had more disciples than John, why not go to Jerusalem?

C. THOUGH WELL-INTENTIONED, THEIR SUGGESTION AROSE OUT OF UNBELIEF. (VERSE 5)

1. Just like most of the Galileans, they did not believe.
2. Just like the Judeans, they did not believe.
3. Later, however, some of them did believe, and some became prominent as Apostles.

D. JESUS REFUSED THEIR PROPOSAL AND GAVE THE REASON PROPHETICALLY. (VERSES 6-9)

1. First, Jesus stated that the time was not right. This proposal is similar to the request which His mother made, and His reason for refusing was the same. (Ch. 2:3, 4)
2. He then contrasted His time to their time. (Verse 6)
a) When He said, “my time” He was thinking of the time of His sacrificial death.
b) When He said, “your time” He had in mind the time when faithful Israelites would go up to the Feast.
c) He said, “My time is not yet come,” that is, the set time, determined by the Father for my death.
d) He said, “Your time is always ready,” that is, it was proper for them to go without hesitation.
3. He next contrasted the attitude of the world to them and Him. (Verse 7)
a) By “the world” He means the Jewish people generally.
b) It did not hate them, since they were one with it.
c) It did hate Him for He testified of its evil works.
4. He then contrasted their going up to the feast. (Verse 8)
a) They were to go up to the feast openly and publicly.
b) He would not be going up to this feast in their suggested manner, because to do so would be to die before His appointed time.
5. This all transpired while still in Galilee. (Verse 9)

II. JESUS’ DECISION NOT TO GO UP PUBLICLY TO THE FEAST IS VINDICATED. (VERSES 10-13)

A. ONCE HIS BRETHREN WERE GONE UP, HE WENT UP TO THE FEAST IN PRIVATE. (VERSE 10)
1. He did not go up in the public display manner His brothers recommended.
2. He went up as a prophet, not as the Messiah.

B. THERE WERE DIVISIONS AMONG THE PEOPLE RESPECTING HIM. (VERSES 11-13)

1. When Jesus arrived there were already different groups seeking Him. (Verse 11)
2. There was much talk about Him. (“murmuring” – various rumors)
3. Some said, “He is a good man,” that is, He is upright and sincere.
4. Others said, “He deceiveth the people.”
5. Although there was much “murmuring” (whispering, sharing various rumors) apparently there was some sort of gag order put in place by the authorities respecting Him. (Verse 13)

III. NEXT WE HAVE JOHN’S RECORD OF THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PALCE DURING THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. (VERSES 14-36)

A. JESUS SPOKE ABOUT THE NATURE OF HIS DOCTRINES. (VERSES 14-24)

1. He proves the heavenly origin of His teaching. (Verses 14-18)
a) As Jesus taught, the people were amazed at how He handled the Scriptures, having never been trained in their Rabbinical schools. (Verses 14, 15)
b) Jesus attributed His message to the One who sent Him on His mission. (Verse 16)
c) Every person, even the most unlearned, could prove the origin of Jesus teaching. (Verse 17)
(1) The test is whether or not a person truly wants to be holy. “If any man will do His will…”
(2) If so, that desire will lead him to Christ, and to the truth of the Gospel.
d) The teaching of Jesus tends to the glory of God alone. (Verse 18)
(1) From its aim one can determine its origin.
(2) That the Gospel proceeds from God is seen in that everything in it has a view to His glory.
(3) Jesus, not seeking His own glory, shows that He surely comes from God.
(4) The fact of His origin demonstrates His absolute righteousness.

2. He proves the righteous nature of His actions. (Verses 19-24)
a) Jesus showed how every one of them was sometimes guilty of placing himself above the Law of Moses. (Verse 19a)
(1) He is not arguing that since all break the law, He was no worse than others who break the law.
(2) He was arguing that, even if they were not wrong, and He had violated the Sabbath, how was that to be considered a capital offence any more than their many offences; or their seeking to kill Him, in violation of the law?
b) Therefore, they were absolutely wrong in trying to prosecute Him as a capital offender of the law. (Verse 19b)
c) The crowd objected to the assertion that His life was being sought. (Verse 20) Apparently the common people knew nothing about the design of their rulers.
d) Jesus next applied His former argument. (Verses 22, 23)
(1) He was referring to their making a scandal out of His healing a man on the Sabbath. (Vse. 21; Ch. 5:1-16)
(a) He referred to it not as a miracle, but “one work!”
(b) It was but one compared to their many.
(2) He proved His justification from the provision of the law concerning circumcision. (Verses 22, 23)
(a) Circumcision did not originate with the law, but with the fathers.
(b) Moses did not hesitate to command circumcision, even when it broke the Sabbath.
(c) Why then should they have condemned Christ, who had only acted according to the spirit of the Law of Moses?
e) Jesus appealed to them to exercise righteous judgment. (Verse 24)
(1) By this He meant consider more than the external formal side of things.
(2) By this He meant consider the spirit as well as the letter.
(3) Doing good should always take precedence over the mere letter of the law.

B. JESUS DECLARED HIS PERSONAL ORIGIN. (VERSES 25-30)

1. The open boldness of Jesus was quite surprising to some who, unlike some who came from without, were aware of the intentions of the rulers to kill Him. (Verses 25, 26; Comp. Vs. 20)
2. They were, it would seem, forming a favorable opinion of Jesus. (Verse 26)
3. However, this view was soon silenced, being overridden by the popular opinion that prevailed. (Verse 27)
4. Jesus forcefully defended His mission and His Person. (Verses 28, 29)
a) He did this forcefully, in that, He “cried” using loud elevated voice, and He did so “in the temple.”
b) He did this by direct speech, declaring His Divine origin and mission, and exposing their ignorance of God, as revealed in their attitude toward Him.
c) He declared His personal intimate knowledge of God. (Verse 29)
5. His forceful declaration received a mixed response. (Verse 30, 31)
a) The rulers and those associated with them attempted to arrest Him. (Verse 30a)
b) They failed because Jesus could not die before the time decreed by God. (Verse 30b)
c) Many of the common people believed on Him. (Verse 31)
(1) They believed that Messiah would come.
(2) They believed that Jesus answered His description.
(3) They believed that Jesus was Messiah.

C. JESUS ANNOUNCED HIS COMING END (HIS DEATH AND ASCENSION) AS A WARNING. (VRS. 32-36)

1. While some were coming to faith (Verse 31), others became more adamant against Jesus. (Verse 32)
2. With those who came to take Him, (evidently without definite arrest orders) Jesus pled earnestly not to let their opportunity pass them by. (Verses 33, 34)
3. The Jews ironically pronounce a prophecy. (Verses 35, 36)
a) Rejected by the only true Jews, Jesus would go to the Jews dispersed among Gentiles, and yes, to the Gentiles, too.
b) What they said in irony is exactly what God caused to happen by the time John wrote his Gospel. (Jn. 11:49-52)