Knowing You Jesus Christ Is

(23) Knowing You Jesus Christ Is (John 7:12-24)
Rev. Brian Lee

 I. The Controversies over who Jesus really is (vv. 12-13)
Crowds debated whether Jesus was a good man or a deceiver
Caused by Hostility of the Jewish leaders (5:16-18)
People were afraid to speak and stand publicly for Jesus (v. 13)

 II. The Characteristics of Jesus and His Teaching
The Source of wisdom & knowledge (God)
Vision & Goal: To Honor the one who sent him (God)
Jewish Leaders: All about self-gain

 III. The Keys to Knowing Jesus Christ
Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find know(v. 17)
Knowledge → Faith   vs.   Faith → Knowledge
Stop judging by mere appearances and make the right judgment! (v. 24)

 IV. The Conclusion
Though Jewish leaders were amazed at Jesus’ teaching they became curious of Him. They did not understand Jesus’ teachings because of stubbornness and unwillingness to submit to Him.
Jesus had only one objective: to honor the One who sent Him. What about us? Do our testimonies point to God or do they point to us?
Focusing on “Keeping” the laws (Judging by mere appearances) “Kept” the Jewish leaders from making right judgments (understanding God’s true intent – Matt 23:23, John 5:39-40)