HOST: Michael Whitworth
SPONSOR: Logos Bible Software
But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.
Despite the hostility of the Jews and the prudence of Jesus in traveling to Judea, He does go to Jerusalem for the feast—not in the caravan with his brothers, but privately in His own time and way. While in Jerusalem, He enters the temple and begins to teach, causing many to marvel at His knowledge and skill in discussing the Scriptures despite His lack of formal training. His message is a simple one: if anyone has a sincere heart in wanting to do what is right, he will know whether Jesus’ teaching is from God or from His own authority. The prophets had pointed to this time and to the coming Messiah. Their words were being fulfilled before the hearers’ very eyes in the life and message of Jesus. His desire was not to bring glory to Himself, but rather to God who had sent Him. The same is still true today. Anyone who has a sincere heart in wanting to do what is right can open up the pages of Scripture and find the truth. It is not hard to believe for those who are honestly seeking. May we all be honest and sincere seekers of Truth.
Why do you think sincerity is an important quality in accepting the truth?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
