Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses thirty-seven through fifty-three of the seventh chapter. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath. Not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him” (John 7:37-44). “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? But this people who knoweth now the law are cursed. Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee raiseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own house.” (John 7:45-53). When you come to this particular portion of Scripture you will find the seventh chapter of this gospel narrative written by the apostle John drawing to a close. It is absolutely remarkable and astounding when reading the final verses of this chapter for within them we find Jesus continuing to speak in the midst of the city of Jerusalem during the time of the feast. If you begin reading with and from the first and opening verse of this chapter you will discover the events which surrounded Jesus’ journey unto the city of Jerusalem and what would lead Him to speak such words in the company and presence of the Jews. In the first and opening verse of this chapter you will find the apostle John writing how “after these things” Jesus walked in Galilee for He would not walk in Jewry because the Jews sought to kill Him. If there is one thing we must needs realize and understand when reading the opening verses of this particular chapter it’s what the apostle John means when He writes of “after these things.” I am absolutely convinced that in order to truly understand that which took place within this particular chapter it is not only necessary to consider the events which took place in the fifth chapter but also the events which took place in the sixth chapter. In order to truly understand and comprehend that which we find present in this passage of Scripture we must needs recognize that much of this was triggered by the events which the apostle John recorded in the fifth chapter. There in the fifth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus going up to Jerusalem at the time of one of the feasts when the city would have undoubtedly been hustling and bustling because of the countless Jews which had made their way unto the city from throughout Judaea, Galilee and even the surrounding regions. It would be there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem during a time of the feast of the Jews we find the Lord Jesus Christy engaging in the work of the Father which would bring Him to a certain well in the midst of the city where there were five porches filled with impotent folk who were blind, lame and halt. As I sit here today I can’t help but think about the tremendous truth that is found in the seventh chapter and how if you truly want to recognize and understand the words found in the seventh chapter of this gospel you must needs turn your attention back to the fifth and sixth chapters. Here within these two chapters you can and will encounter events that would dramatically alter and shape the public ministry of Jesus—specifically within the midst of the city of Jerusalem and in the region known as Judaea. The events which are written and recorded in the fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative are incredibly important to understand that which is found in this passage of Scripture for they are the main and underlying reason why the apostle John wrote of Jesus walking in Galilee and not being willing to walk in Jewry. The apostle John would write of Jesus walking in Galilee and not walking in Jewry because the Jews sought to kill Him—a truth that is expressed within the fifth chapter as a direct result of Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath. What’s more is that the Jews seeking to kill Jesus is not only a direct result of Jesus healing on the Sabbath but also because He referred to God as His Father thus making Himself equal with God. It is in the fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative we find the Jews persecuting Jesus and seeking to slay Him and their hatred, their vitriol and their animosity toward Him only intensifying after He had referenced God as His Father. This is something we dare not and must not miss when seeking to read the words found here in the seventh chapter for it calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding the Lord Jesus being unwilling to walk in Jewry. The Lord Jesus Christ would deliberately and intentionally choose to walk in Galilee because He would not walk in Jewry because the Jews there had sought to kill Him the last time He was present among them. Please don’t miss the tremendous and incredible language that is found within the fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel written by the apostle John for it calls and draws our attention to that which would have a direct impact on the movement of the Lord Jesus. Stop for a moment and consider the fact that Jesus would deliberately and intentionally walk in Galilee and would not walk in Jewry because the Jews there sought to kill Him. It would be the response and the reaction of the Jews there in the midst of Judaea that would directly impact and limit the movement of Jesus in that region. Of course as we read the words presented in this chapter we discover that Jesus would indeed go up unto the city of Jerusalem at the time of the feast and would even reveal and manifest Himself unto and among the people—this despite the fact that the apostle John declared how the Jews sought to kill Him. Stop and consider that which the apostle John wrote in this passage of Scripture for the apostle John actually wrote of the movement and activity of Jesus being directly impacted by the by mindset and actions of the Jews. The last time Jesus was present in the midst of Jewry in the city of Jerusalem which was in the region of Judaea they not only vehemently persecuted Him but they also sought to slay Him and put Him to death. Jesus perceived and was well aware of their ill and malicious intention and as a direct result of this would depart from the city of Jerusalem and from Judaea and venture into Galilee. This would be yet another time within this gospel where we read of Jesus departing from Judaea that He might return and come unto the region of Galilee—this time as a direct result of the Jews which sought to kill and destroy Him. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider first and foremost the following words which are found in the opening verses of the fifth chapter which set the tone and the stage for the Jews not only persecuting Jesus but also seeking to kill Him: “After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And Immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afteward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole” (John 5:1-15). The words and language we find here in this passage of Scripture call and draw our attention to the movement of Jesus in the midst of the city of Jerusalem at and during the time of one of the Jewish feasts. The apostle John does not describe which of the Jewish feasts was taking place at this particular time—only that there was a feast of the Jews. It would be at this time of one of the feasts of the Jews Jesus would go up to Jerusalem—undoubtedly for the purpose of celebrating the feast together with the Jews. In all reality it’s quite remarkable and astounding to read the words presented within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for within it we encounter and are brought face to face with the feasts of the Jews which were celebrated during that time and yet how there is never any mention of Jesus going up with the express purpose of celebrating the feasts themselves. The more you read the words which are found within this New Testament gospel the more you can and will be brought face to face with the awesome and powerful truth of Jesus going up unto the city of Jerusalem at and during the time of one of the feasts and yet there is never a single mention of Jesus Himself celebrating the feast itself. In all reality I would dare say the sole reason and purpose for Jesus going up unto the city of Jerusalem during the time of the feasts was to meet and minister unto the need(s) which were presented there. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for in the fifth chapter of this gospel narrative we read of there being a feast of the Jews and how Jesus went up to Jerusalem. It would be during this time of the Jewish feast which was celebrated in the midst of the city of Jerusalem that Jesus would Himself go up—undoubtedly with the express intention of making His way unto the pool which was by the sheep market. It would be this pool which would have five porches which were filled with a great multitude of impotent folk—those who were blind, halt and withered. We must needs recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous and wonderful truth surrounding Jesus’ going up unto the city of Jerusalem. The apostle John sets the tone for what we find in this passage of Scripture as the time of one of the feasts of the Jews and Jesus going up unto the city of Jerusalem, however, it would be there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem where there would be a pool by the sheep market which in the Hebrew tongue was called Bethesda. This pool would have five porches which was filled with a great multitude of impotent folk which were blind, halt and withered who were all waiting for something very specific. The apostle John writes of those who were present within these five porches as waiting for the moving of the water for an angel would go down at a certain season into the pool and troubled the water. What’s more is the apostle John goes on to write how whosoever therefore was first after the troubling of the water stepped down into the pool was made whole of whatsoever disease they had. Undoubtedly this great multitude of men and women who were present within these five porches were not only living in a place of desperation but also a place of expectation. Please don’t miss how absolutely incredible this truly is for as you read the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find a great number of men and women who had within their hearts and souls a great desperation—a desperation to be healed and made whole of whatsoever disease and illness they had. Coupled together with this desperation would indeed be an expectation and an anticipation—one where they would look for, wait for and expect the moving of the waters. All those who were present within these five porches knew and understood that there was a certain season when an angel would come down and trouble the waters and each and every individual there knew that whoever was first into the waters would indeed be made whole of whatsoever plague and illness was present within their physical bodies. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words presented in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the movement and activity of Jesus at and during the time of this feast of the Jews. It would be here in the midst of the city of Jerusalem at this particular time of the feast when we read of Jesus going up unto the city at the same time when there would have been countless hundreds—perhaps even thousands of Jews present in the midst of the city. This is something we must needs understand for if there is one thing the apostle John demonstrates and reveals it’s how the Lord Jesus would indeed move throughout Galilee, Judaea, Jerusalem and even Samaria for the sake of one. The more you read this particular gospel the more you can and will be brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus venturing into the city of Jerusalem, or into Galilee, or as recently as the fourth chapter into the region of Samaria for one. Jesus would indeed meet with one by the name of Nicodemus by night—that man who was himself a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Jesus would indeed venture from Judaea unto Galilee and needing to pass through Samaria for the sake of this one Samaritan woman whom He would encounter at the well outside of the city of Sychar. What’s more is I would dare say that what we find here in the fifth chapter is Jesus coming unto the city of Jerusalem for the sake of this one man who lie in one of the five porches there at the pool which was called Bethesda. In fact I would dare say that Jesus wasn’t as concerned about the feast itself as much as He was about this man who had been in this particular state for nearly four decades. While the rest of the Jews which were present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem were themselves there to celebrate the feast there was one among them who cared not so much about the feast itself as much as one among them who was suffering and in need. I am sitting here today thinking about and considering the words and language found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the fact that while countless Jews were present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem seeking to celebrate the Jewish feast there was one present among them whose sole focus was to go after that one which was lost. Oh if there is one thing I can’t help but wonder when reading this particular passage of Scripture is how and/or why Jesus deliberately and specifically chose this man. The apostle John clearly states and declares how these five porches were filled with a great multitude of impotent folk which were blind, lame and halt. Despite the various others who were present within these five porches Jesus would deliberately and intentionally come unto this man who lie there among all the others beside the pool waiting for the movement and troubling of the waters. What I so absolutely love about the words presented in this passage of Scripture is that Jesus would come unto this man who lie there upon his mat and asked him a very simple and yet profound question. The Lord would come unto this man who lie there in that place whether or not he would be made whole—a question which I am convinced might have both surprised and confused him. I can’t imagine any one who was present in that place who did not desire within their hearts and souls to be healed and made whole of whatever ailment and illness was present within their physical bodies. Here Jesus comes unto this man asking a question which He undoubtedly already knew the answer to and yet the response he got was not even a resounding “Yes!” When Jesus asked this man if he would be made whole he would not respond by saying “Yes,” but rather would respond by describing unto Jesus the reasons why he hadn’t been made whole. Oh as you read the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter the tremendous truth surrounding this man responding to Jesus—not by saying “Yes” that he wanted to be healed but rather that which had potentially kept him from being healed and made whole. For this man he knew within his heart and soul he wanted to be healed, however, he could not get past the underlying reasons why he hadn’t been healed up until that point in time. As I read the words presented in this passage of Scripture I find myself seeing countless men and women—including myself—in this man. Here we have Jesus showing up and asking a very simple and yet powerful and profound question—the question of whether or not we would be made whole of whatever plague is and has been present within our physical bodies. This man would hear the question Jesus would ask and yet instead of declaring to Jesus that he did in fact desire to be healed he instead chose to speak unto Jesus of how and why he hadn’t been healed. Undoubtedly this man had a desire within himself to be healed and wished that he had already been healed, however, there were two distinct things that would have kept him from being healed and made whole. This man would respond unto the person of the Lord Jesus and declare that on the one hand he had not man when the water was troubled to put him into the pool and on the other hand how while he was indeed coming another would step down before him. This man would hear the question Jesus would ask him and yet instead of responding to Him by declaring “Yes” he wanted to be healed and made whole he would describe those things which kept and prevented him from being made whole. Oh we must pay close attention to this for I am convinced there are countless men and women among us during these days and generation in which we live who are and have been suffering from some plague, or affliction, or illness, or disease or maybe even some addiction and bondage within their lives. Jesus shows up unto these particular individuals and asks them if they would be healed, if they would be made whole and even if they would be delivered and set free and yet for many they can’t see past their own frustration, discouragement and perhaps even their helplessness and hopelessness. This man thought about being healed and made whole of the plague which was present within his physical body and yet all he could see was not having a man to help him down to the pool when the waters were troubled and another stepping down into the waters after they had been troubled before him. There is something truly astonishing and powerful about the words and language presented in this passage of Scripture for what we find is Jesus hearing the frustration, the disappointment the discouragement in this man’s voice and response and yet commanding him to rise, to take up his bed and walk. There at the pool of Bethesda outside of the waters and perhaps even away from those who were present Jesus would offer healing and wholeness to this man. Oh I oftentimes wonder what goes through and what went through the hearts and minds of those individuals who heard the command of Jesus to rise and to walk. Imagine being this man and having suffered from this infirmity for thirty and eight years and now hearing for the first time the command to rise and to walk. What would go through your mind if you suffered and struggled with something for nearly four decades and yet Jesus shows up and gives the command to rise, to take up your bed and walk? How do you think you would respond if you were placed in a similar situation and Jesus showed up in the midst of your discouragement and depression and offered you healing and wholeness? Here within this passage we find Jesus commanding this man to rise, to take up his bed and walk and immediately the man was made whole, took up his bed and walked. How absolutely wonderful and incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for having spent thirty and eight years suffering from and struggling with this infirmity this man would for the first time experience complete and utter healing. There in the presence of Jesus this man would rise from that place, would take up his bed and would walk. What’s more is the apostle John would go on to add an addition detail about this man’s miracle and healing—and not only concerning his miracle and healing but also concerning the particular day in which he was healed. It would be here in this particular passage of Scripture the apostle John would write how this man would indeed be made whole and would take up his bed and walk, however, all this would take place on the sabbath. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that not only was this man healed on the sabbath but this man would also take up his bed and carry it through the streets of Jerusalem on the sabbath. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words presented in this passage of Scripture and consider the fact that Jesus would indeed heal this man and make him whole and yet He would do so on the sabbath. Undoubtedly Jesus was well aware of the fact that it was the sabbath as well as the various rules and traditions which the Jews held during those days. What makes this truly astonishing and unique when you take the time to consider it is when you understand that Jesus deliberately and intentionally healed this man on the sabbath knowing full well how the Jews felt about the Sabbath. Oh if there is one thing this passage of Scripture demonstrates and reveals it’s that Jesus was not bound by nor was He confined to the rules, the regulations and the traditions of the Jews. Jesus was well aware of the sabbath day and was well aware of how the Jews felt about the sabbath and yet He would still show up and heal this man on the sabbath—this knowing full well how the Jews would react to a man carrying his mat through the streets of Jerusalem on the sabbath day. Oh there is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus’ healing of this man and making him every bit whole from the plague that was present within this physical body would have provoked the Jews to anger, to offense and to outrage. In fact it is as you read the rest of this chapter you will find the response of the Jews when witnessing this man carrying his mat on the sabbath day. The jews would see this man carrying his mat on the sabbath day and would rebuke him for doing so citing the fact that it was unlawful for him to carry his mat on such a day. It would be in response to these words this man would declare unto them that he who told him to take up his bed and walk made him whole of the plague which was present within his physical body. What so alarms me when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is that the Jews could not see past the alleged violation of the sabbath. Even when this man spoke unto them of the healing which had taken place within his physical body the Jews could not see past the violation of the sabbath law(s). Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely alarming and challenging this truly is for here in the midst of the city of Jerusalem at the time of one of their feasts they saw a man carrying a mat on the sabbath day and they felt the need to rebuke him. What’s more is that even when this man spoke of his being healed and made whole of the plague which was present within his physical body they could not see past his alleged violation of the sabbath. The Jews would ask this man who it was which had spoken unto him and commanded him to take up his bed and walk—a question which this man did not know for Jesus had conveyed Himself away in the midst of the crowd after healing and making him whole. Oh there is something truly astonishing about this for I would dare say that Jesus healed this man according to the divine work and will of the Father, however, Jesus knew and understood this work would provoke the Jews to offense and hostility. Notice that Jesus did not remain and abide there in that place after this man had been healed and made whole of the plague which was present within his body and had conveyed himself in the midst of the crowd. What’s more is that the apostle John goes on to write how afterward Jesus found this man in the temple and would declare unto him that he was made whole while also commanding him to go and sin no more lest a worse thing come upon him. Jesus would indeed speak to his healing and being made whole of the plague which was present within his physical body and then would give the command that he sin no more lest something worse come upon him. It would be as a direct result of this the apostle John wrote how this man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus which had made Him whole. It is at this point where you come to the sixteenth verse of this chapter and read of the Jews’ response to knowing that it was Jesus who had made this man whole. Beginning to read with and from the sixteenth verse of this chapter you will find the account of the Jews persecuting Jesus after learning that He had healed this man of the infirmity and given him the command to take up his bed and walk on the sabbath. The apostle John wrote how the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to slay Him because He had healed this man on the sabbath day, thus seemingly showing absolutely no regard for the sabbath nor for their rules and traditions. Here in the midst of this particular passage of Scripture we find the Jews persecuting and seeking to slay Jesus because He had healed this man on the sabbath and yet knowing full well their animosity and offense with Him over healing on the sabbath Jesus would go on to speak of His Heavenly Father—and not only of His Heavenly Father but also how His Heavenly Father worked and was working. It would be this statement which would further enrage and infuriate the Jews for not only had Jesus healed on the sabbath but now He had claimed that God was His Father thus making Himself equal with God. As a direct result of this the apostle John writes how the Jews sought all the more to kill Jesus because He had not only broken the sabbath but also said that God was His Father making Himself equal with God. This particular statement made by the apostle John within this passage must be carefully understood and recognized when reading the words in the seventh chapter for the sole reason Jesus would not walk in Jewry was because the Jews sought to kill Him. It’s here in this passage of Scripture where we read of the Jews seeking to kill and put Jesus to death. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the sixteenth verse: “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I. Know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. He wears a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:16-47). We must needs recognize and understand the word and language which is found in this passage of Scripture for while we do in fact read of the Jews persecuting and seeking to slay Jesus and while we do read of them seeking all the more to kill Him because He spoke of God as His Father thus making Himself equal with God there is absolutely no mention of the Jews’ response to the words Jesus would speak. In fact if you come to the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel you will find that after these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee which was called the sea of Tiberias and a great multitude followed him. The fifth chapter of this New Testament gospel written by John concludes with Jesus asking the Jews if they believed not the writings of Moses then how would they believe the words which He had spoken unto them. There is absolutely no mention of any further interaction of the Jews within the fifth chapter and when we come to the sixth chapter we read of Jesus going over the Sea of Galilee after these things. After having just spoken unto the Jews who sought to kill Him Jesus would pass over the Sea of Galilee and a great multitude of people followed Him. The underlying reason why this great multitude of people would follow Him was because they saw the miracles which he did on them which were diseased. IN the opening verses of the sixth chapter we find Jesus passing over the Sea of Galilee and being followed by a great multitude who saw the miracles which He had performed. There on the other side of the Sea of Galilee Jesus would go up into a mountain and sat down together with His disciples. It was at this time when the Passover—which was a feast of the Jews—was drawing nigh during that time of the year. It was at this time Jesus lifted up his eyes and saw a great company come to him and being moved with compassion. The other three gospel authors write how Jesus was moved with compassion and would heal their diseased and sick while also writing how Jesus taught them until the day was far spent and the night was now nigh unto them. When you come to the sixth chapter of this New Testament gospel you will find the fourth and final account of Jesus feeding the five thousand with loaves of bread and two fish. The apostle Matthew, John Mark and the physician Luke had already recorded their account of Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand and here we find the apostle John presenting his narrative and eyewitness account of what had taken place on that particular day. The apostle John writes how when Jesus saw the great company coming unto him he would speak unto Philip and ask him where they would buy bread that this great company might eat. The apostle John would also write how Jesus asked this question of Philip to prove him for He Himself already knew within Himself what He was going to do on this particular occasion. Philip responded to Jesus declaring that two hundred pennyworth of bread was not sufficient for them that every one of them might take a little. Immediately following this one of the other disciples of Jesus—Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother—spoke unto the Lord and declared unto him how there was a young lad there which had five barley loaves and two small fish. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for the apostle John goes on to write how despite the fact Andrew spoke unto Jesus of there being a lad with five barley loaves and two small fish he would go on to ask what that would amount to among so many. It would be in response to this Jesus would instruct His disciples to make the men to sit down for there was much grass in that place. The disciples would do that which Jesus had instructed them and would have them sit down in number of about five thousand. Jesus would then take the loaves and when He had given thanks He would distribute to the disciples who would in turn distribute unto those who were set down. What’s more is the apostle John would go on to use the phrase “as much as they would” when speaking of this distributing of the loaves of bread and fish thus suggesting that each man would eat and partake of as much as they were able to eat until they were full. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it helps set the tone and stage for what we find in the seventh chapter when Jesus would not only refrain from walking in Jewry but would also eventually go up unto the city of Jerusalem at the time of one of the feasts. There is not a doubt in my mind that if you want to truly understand that which is found in the seventh chapter you must first understand the events leading up to it—namely Jesus’ healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda on the sabbath as well as Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand. It would be the miracle of healing and wholeness as well as the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand that would indeed set the stage for that which was present in the seventh chapter of this gospel narrative and Jesus’ going up unto the city of Jerusalem. In fact, I would invite you to consider the following words which are found in this passage of scripture beginning to read with and from the first and opening verse: “After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberius. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number of about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world” (John 6:1-14). Please pay attention to the words which are found in the opening verses of this sixth chapter for they would set the tone for that which is found in the rest of the chapter. It is in the first fourteen verses of this chapter we read of the feeding of the five thousand as well as the filling of the twelve baskets with the fragments. It is in verses fifteen through twenty-one we read of the storm which came upon the sea while the disciples were in the midst of it during the night having been sent over to the other side by Jesus Himself. When you come to the twenty-second verse of this same chapter you will find the people which were originally present on the other side of the sea coming unto Jesus art Capernaum seeking for to to find Him. It would be there on the other side of the sea in Capernaum those which were present at the time of the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand would come unto Jesus once more. Here in this particular place Jesus would declare unto them how they sought Him not because they saw the miracles—the miracles which were referenced at the beginning of the passage—but because they did eat of the loaves and were filled. Jesus would then go on to instruct and command them to labor not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life which the Son of man would give unto them. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for these words would indeed spark the powerful and profound exchange which would take place between Jesus and the Jews there in Capernaum in the region of Galilee. What’s more is that it would be during this exchange when many of the disciples would turn back and walk no more with Jesus because of the words which He had spoken—this despite the fact they had partaken of the loaves of bread and were filled. Consider the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning to read with and from the twenty-eighth verse: “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I cam down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. NO man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that’s hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in your Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is the bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum” (John 6:28-59). “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:60-65). The final verses of the sixth chapter help to completely and utterly set the stage for that which we find in the seventh chapter. It is in the final verses of the sixth chapter where we read of many of the disciples of Jesus who walked with Him went back and walked no more with Him. In the final verses of the sixth chapter we find Jesus in the synagogue there in Capernaum of Galilee and speaking words which would greatly offend the Jews who heard and listened to Him speak. What’s more is that during those days there were many of the disciples who had previously walked with Him who went back and walked no more with Him. Important to note is that although these disciples had witnessed the miracles which He had performed and although they had partaken of the loaves of bread and were filled they would find themselves offended with the words which the Lord Jesus spoke unto them. Many of the disciples which were present on this particular day in the synagogue could not get past the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken. Jesus spoke of Himself as the bread which came down from heaven which would great offend and shock the Jews which were present in the midst of Capernaum. Moreover Jesus would also declare unto them that unless and except they ate and partook of His flesh and drank His blood they would have no part in Him. As a direct result of this there would be a tremendous walking away and departing from Jesus as many would turn back and walk no more with Him. Scripture doesn’t reveal how many truly turned back and walked no more with Jesus—only that “many” of His disciples went back and walked no more with Jesus. It would be in this context we read of Jesus speaking unto the twelve and asking them if they too would also go away. In that moment Simon called Peter would answer and respond to the Lord by emphatically declaring how they were sure that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Not only this but Simon Peter would also ask Jesus where they would for He alone had the words of eternal life thus suggesting that abiding in the presence of Jesus was the single best and greatest place for them to be. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of what is found in this particular passage of Scripture for the context for the seventh chapter is not only the Jews seeking to kill Him but also many of His disciples turning back and walking no more with Him. It is absolutely impossible to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and not come face to face with the tremendous stumbling block that was the person, the ministry and the words of the Lord Jesus. What’s more is that in the fifth chapter the Jews were not only offended by the works which Jesus would work among them but also the words which He would speak. There in the fifth chapter there would be this perfect collision of their anger and outrage over the words and works of Jesus for not only could they not handle the fact that He had healed the man on the sabbath but they also could not handle His declaration that God was His Father. This is something we must needs take into consideration for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth that is found in the seventh chapter for the apostle John does in fact write of the Jews seeking to kill Jesus, however, the context surrounding this chapter is actually three-fold if you think about it. In the fourth chapter we find many in the city of Sychar in Samaria believing on Jesus and receiving Him as the Messiah and the Christ while in the following chapter we find many Jews being offended with Jesus and not only persecuting Him but also seeking to kill and destroy Him. How absolutely intriguing it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and think of how Jesus would declare unto a woman in Samaria that He was the Christ and the Messiah and as a direct result of this encounter He would spend two whole days with them. What’s more is that it’s interesting to think about and consider how those in this city of Samaria believed on Jesus and received Him as the Christ and Messiah and yet the Jews themselves stumbled over this truth. There were many jews who had an incredibly difficult time believing on Jesus and receiving Him as the Christ and the Messiah which is at the very heart of this entire gospel. As you come to the seventh chapter of this gospel you will find Jesus being unable to walk in Jewry and choosing instead to walk in Galilee because the Jews sought to kill Him. It would be at this time the feast of the tabernacles was at hand and his brethren encouraged Him to depart into Judaea that His disciples might also see the works which He wrought in the earth. Jesus’ brethren would also go on to speak unto Him declaring that there was no man which does any thing in secret and he himself seeks to be known openly. Not only this but they would also declare unto Him that if He did such works among men in the earth then he ought to show Himself unto the world. What makes this truly intriguing when you consider it is that the apostle John wrote concerning the brethren of Jesus that they themselves did not believe on Him. Here we have Jesus’ brethren encouraging Jesus to go up to Jerusalem and to show Himself unto the world that men might believe on Him and yet they themselves did not believe in Him. Jesus would respond unto the words which were spoken by His brethren and declare that His time was not yet come but their time was always read. Jesus would go on to declare that the world could not hate them but it hated Him because He testified of it that the works therein were evil. The words which we find here are incredibly astonishing when you take the time to think about them for Jesus would give the impression to His brethren that he would not go up to Jerusalem nor would He go up for the feast of tabernacles which was present during that time. Jesus seemed to give every indication that he would not go up to Jerusalem at the time of the feast of the tabernacles—much like in the second chapter He would give the impression that he was not willing to help at the wedding which took place in Cana. Jesus spoke unto his brethren and instructed them to go up unto the feast but He Himself would not go unto the feast for His time was not yet full come. In all reality we must needs recognize the words and language which is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous divide which was present in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. What’s more is that if there is one thing this gospel narrative written by the apostle John reveals it’s the tremendous and incredible divide which took place among the Jews as there were those who believed that Jesus was the Messiah and the Christ while there were a vast majority of those who neither believed in Him nor acknowledged Him as the Messiah. It would be in the fifth chapter where we read of the Jews persecuting Jesus and seeking to slay Him because He healed on the sabbath while seeking to kill Him all the more because He spoke of God as His Father thus making Himself equal with God. What we find here in the seventh chapter of this gospel is Jesus ultimately going up to Jerusalem at the time of another feast and once more confronting the Jews with the truth of who He was. If you take the time to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter and come face to face with Jesus once more going up to Jerusalem and once more directly confronting the Jews. It is here in this passage of Scripture the apostle John wrote how after Jesus’ brethren went up unto the city of Jerusalem He Himself also went up unto the feast—not openly but as it were in secret. It would be there at the feast which was present in the midst of the Jews that many would seek for Him and inquire as to where He was and if He would come unto the feast. Moreover the apostle John would also write how there was much murmuring among the people concerning him for some said that He was a good man while others would say that He deceived the people. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous division that was present in the midst of the Jews. The words and works which Jesus would do among them would in fact greatly divide them as there were some who believed in and received Him while there were others who thought and believed that he had a devil. There is something truly astonishing about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they present to us the very real divide which was present among the Jews during this particular time. Perhaps one of the greatest truths found at the very heart of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John is how Jewish-centric it truly is. I fully realize that the entire Scripture is Jewish-centric and focuses around the Jewish people, however, there is something about this particular gospel which must needs be understood and expressed. Within this gospel we find Jesus entering into Samaria and making the declaration that He was the Messiah and Christ unto a certain woman which would open the door for Him to spend a full two days among those in the city of Sychar. Undoubtedly it would be during those two days when the Lord Jesus would indeed profess and declare that He was indeed the Messiah and the Christ and would demonstrate Himself as such. What a stark contrast with what took place in Samaria and what we find here in the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of this gospel. It’s incredibly interesting to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and to consider how Jesus would proclaim and declare Himself to be the Messiah and the Christ in Samaria and the Samaritans would indeed believe that He was the Messiah and yet those in Judaea could not. The Jews in the fifth chapter persecuted and sought to kill and destroy Jesus while there was an incredible division in the seventh chapter concerning who Jesus truly was. It would be in verses ten through thirteen of this passage of Scripture we find a murmuring being present among the Jews at the time of the feast as there were some who considered Jesus a good man while there were others who thought that He was indeed one who deceived the people. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find that about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught and how the jews marveled at His words inquiring how He knew such letters having never learned. Jesus perceived within Himself their thoughts and emphatically declared of His doctrine that it was not His own but belonged to the One who had sent Him. Jesus would go on to declare that if any man would do the will of the Father He would indeed know the doctrine which He taught and whether it be of God or of men. Jesus would go on to declare that those who speak of themselves seek their own glory but those who seek the glory of the Father were those who were true and no unrighteousness were found in them. Jesus would immediately go on to ask them concerning Moses giving them the law and yet none of them keep the Law within themselves. Not only this but Jesus would go on to ask them why they went about to kill Him—a question which they would respond by declaring how He had a devil. The Jews denied that anyone sought to kill Him and Jesus would go on to declare how He did one work and they all marveled. Moreover Jesus would go on to speak of circumcision and how the Jews would circumcise a man on the sabbath day that the Law of Moses might not be disobeyed. Jesus would then go on to rebuke them for not judging righteously for He would speak unto them of being angry and outraged at Him because He made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day. It would be these words which would further divide those in the midst of the city of Jerusalem for the people asked themselves if this was not the one whom others sought to kill. There would be those in the midst of Jerusalem who would declare that He spoke boldly and without fear or hesitation among the Jews. There would even be those who would ask whether or not the rulers of the Jews knew indeed that this was the very Christ. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words Jesus would speak on this particular day as well as the response of the Jews which were present in the midst of the city. Jesus would cry out in the midst of the Temple and declare how they both knew Him and knew where He came from—how He had not come of Himself but that He which sent Him was true. Jesus would go on to declare that He knew the Father and the One who sent Him for He was from Him and He had indeed sent Him. It would be these words that would further incense and outrage the Jews for the apostle John would go on to declare how they sought to take Him but no man would lay hands on him because His hour was not yet come. What’s more is that if you continue reading the words found in this passage you will find that many of the people believe on Him and asked whether or not when Christ came would HE do more miracles than Jesus Himself had done. These words would garner the attention of the Pharisees as they would hear the people murmuring concerning Jesus. As a direct result of this the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Jesus, however Scripture made it very clear that Jesus’ hour and time had not yet come. Jesus would go on to declare unto the Jews that He was with them a little while and then He was going unto the One who had sent Him. Moreover Jesus would go on to declare how they would seek Him and would not find Him and where He was they could not come. What I so love about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture is what you find beginning with the thirty-seventh verse of the chapter. If you begin reading with and from the thirty-seventh verse you will find that in the last day which was the great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried out in the midst of the people inviting anyone who thirsted to come unto Him and drink. What would initially begin in Samaria with Jesus inviting the woman at the well to partake of the living waters which He Himself would offer and provide would now be extended unto those in the midst of Jerusalem and unto the Jews themselves. Jesus would not only give the invitation unto any man who thirsted and invite them to come unto Him but He would also go on to declare that whosoever believed on Him would have rivers of living water flow out from them. The apostle John would go on to write how this which Jesus spoke of would be in reference to the Spirit which those who believed on Him should receive for the Holy Spirit was not yet given for Jesus had not yet been glorified. Here in the midst of the city of Jerusalem the Lord Jesus Christ would offer the invitation unto all those who were thirsty to come unto Him and promised them that rivers of living water would flow out of them. What makes this truly unique when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that these words which were spoken by the person of the Lord Jesus would indeed promise the Holy Spirit who would be given after Jesus had ascended unto the right hand of the Father. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this when reading these words for what we find here is an incredibly powerful promise given unto Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit. It would be these words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus that would cause many who heard them to declare and speak of Him as being the Prophet while others would in fact profess and proclaim that He was the Christ. In bringing this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found here for the apostle John would write of a division which would take place and be present among the people because of Jesus. This entire chapter is such that is incredibly intriguing when you take the time to consider the language within it for here in this passage the apostle John brings us face to face with the deep divide which was present in the midst of the Jewish people concerning Jesus. There were in fact those who believed in and received Him as the Christ and the Messiah while there were others who believed that he was nothing more than one who had a devil. There were those who could not get past the fact that He was [as it was perceived by many] the son of Joseph and that His brethren were present there among them. There were many within Judaism who were divided with just who the person of the Lord Jesus truly was—something which the apostle John would write in the very beginning and opening chapter of this gospel. It would be there in the opening chapter the apostle John would write how Jesus would come into the world and the world did not know Him and how He came unto His own and His own received Him not. Here in this passage of Scripture we are brought face to face with this stark contrast which existed within the Jews concerning who Jesus was as there were many who believed that Jesus was the Christ and that He was indeed come from and sent by God. What this seventh chapter demonstrates and reveals is the tremendous truth concerning those present in the midst of the Jews who did in fact believe the words which Jesus had spoken and believed Him to be the Christ while there were others who thought that Jesus had a devil. Oh I continue to come back to this gospel and how it brings us face to face with our own belief concerning Jesus and whether or not we truly believe that he is the Christ, that He is the Messiah and that He is the Son of the living God. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS? DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS? HAVE YOU RECEIVED JESUS? If there is one thing this passage of Scripture highlights and reveals it’s the overwhelming need we have within our hearts and spirits to determine what we believe concerning Jesus. There is perhaps no greater nor more fundamental truth and principle within our lives than that of what we believe concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. No man’s life will rise any higher nor go any further than what He believes concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must needs realize and understand that man’s chief purpose is to worship and please the living God, however, we must needs recognize that the most important decision we can and will ever make concerns the person of Jesus. It would be in the first epistle written by this same apostle where He wrote of antichrists denying that Jesus came in the flesh and denying that He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. It is absolutely necessary for us to recognize this for who we believe Jesus to be strikes at the very heart of everything we believe, everything we hope to be, and everything we do and hope to do in this life. There is absolutely no denying or disputing this particular fact within our hearts and lives for our chief objective is to worship the living God in Spirit and in truth but that same God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed/believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. There is within this gospel the clarion call to believe on, to receive and to honor the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and to make a decision within ourselves if we are willing to walk with and follow Him or if we are going to be those who choose to despise and reject Him. This gospel brings us face to face with the overwhelming truth that we in this generation must firmly resolve and settle in our hearts what we believe concerning the person of the Lord Jesus Christ for it strikes at the very heart of whether or not we can and will experience eternal life. Oh that we would indeed be those who not only believe in the person of the Lord Jesus but also receive Him as both Christ and as the Son of the living God.