January 30 Hearing the Divine

John 7:14-17 Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” 16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. 17 If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
 
JESUS has arrived at the Feast of the Tabernacle about the second or third day of the week-long celebration. We have learned that Jesus went in the Father’s time to minimize any untimely crowd response to his arrival. He needed time to teach, not to be overwhelmed with the people’s demands.
   He begins, then, in the temple courts to teach the teachers. Before him are the educated Pharisees, Priests and Sadducees. These men with advanced degrees wondered about Jesus’ credentials. How was he able to demonstrate a deep knowledge of the Scriptures?
   Jesus answered them, “My teaching…comes from him who sent me.”  Just as the Father informed the Son of the time to go to the Feast, the Son must hear from the Father to know Scripture. Jesus’ credentials are from heaven’s throne.
   Yes, we can simply say, “Jesus was God. So he would know.” But we must understand more deeply that Jesus’ divine nature and human nature were two distinct natures in one person. As a man, Jesus did not know God’s divine truth on his own. He learned, taught and acted as an obedient servant of God as he heard from the divine Godhead. Many times he speaks of working only in the authority of “the Father who sent me” as in John 5:37. This is our model as Jesus’ disciples. Our human nature must submit to Divine teaching.
   Are you learning from God through his Word and godly teachers? I pray so. But just one word of encouragement: Submit to what you learn.
   We are blessed to have countless opportunities for Bible study on various media and in our churches. Many people are willing, even eager to hear the Holy Bible’s divine Word. Then what happens? Ask someone, “How has this study changed you?” and you are often met with an empty look or confused, “I’m not sure.” Or you hear, “I want to change, but I’m not sure I can.”
   Jesus’ will for the Jews in the temple is his will for you today. He commands your faithful learning and faithful response. His will is for us to believe he has taught God’s Divine Word to mankind. His will is also we would believe the Divine. Believe in God. Believe God.
   Be of faith. Learn much of God. Trust what you learn. Act into what you learn. See God’s truth transform your life. Enjoy the ways your life changes.
 
Prayer: Father in heaven, I pray I believe what learn of you, Lord God. Amen.