John 7 – 9
I find verse 7:5 interesting since it addresses Jesus’ brothers:
For not even his brothers believed in him.
This has been a subject of much debate, if Jesus had biological brothers. Often people point to James as a brother, but this is plural. The Orthodox Jewish Bible uses proper names, “Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach”, but I have not been able to translate if it is his brothers or brothers in God. Not real important, but interesting to ponder and study.
Verse 7:38 ties into the discussion in chapter 6 about Jesus being bread of life:
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
This confuses people often as with the bread comment. For some reason they apply a figurative description to eternal life to our human existence. The chief priests and Pharisees all questioned these statements, taking the literal. Funny how something that is so obvious can cause confusion. Or they were not confused at all and we just trying to discredit His words so no one would follow him.
Verses 7:53 – 8:11 provide some questions as to where these verses came, since they version clearly states “The earliest manuscripts do not include” these verses. For space I will not print them, but it’s the discussion of the woman caught in adultery and about to be stoned. Jesus saves her by writing things in the sand and speaking to the people.
The problem with old text is often times pieces cannot be read or translated and must be omitted. Often newer versions may have the text more clearly read and therefore included. Not sure the whys and reviewing the “debate” it could go either way. The biggest key is true or not, this being included or removed changes nothing in the Gospel of Jesus.
This reading has a ton of “quotables” that have been used often. Verse 8:32 reminds me of Jim Carey’s movie “Liar, Liar” where he quotes this verse:
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
As funny as the movie was I get concerned that this kind of use of Jesus’ words is dangerous. It tends to lower their significance or impact since we think of comedy and not the true meaning. Here Jesus is stating that if we know Him, the truth, we will be free!
Verse 9:25 is also over used out of context:
He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
Although this is paraphrased in my favorite Gospel song, Amazing grace … “Was blind, but now, I see.” Often this gets quoted when someone finally gets clarity on an issue, not just spiritual ones. The “light bulb” turn on and one may quote this verse like an old timey southern Baptist preacher. As funny as that may be, it technically is mocking the word of God.
We need to look at this story on two levels, one the miracle and the other is the imagery towards the Pharisees. They were trying to trap Jesus since this broke a technicality in the “Law” since it was performed on the Sabbath. These men were blind to Jesus’ purpose on the earth, some eventually could see, but most led the charge to crucify Jesus. The key we have to do is ensure we help other see the light of Jesus.