S) "14 But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. 15 The Jews then were astonished, saying, 'How has this man become learned, having never been educated?' 16 So Jesus answered them and said, 'My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.'"
John 7:14-18 (NASB)
O) Jesus is the manifestation of the character of God. One of the things that continually tripped up the Pharisees and Sadducees, was that Jesus and His disciples were not educated men (see Mark 6:3 and Acts 4:13). Jesus was not a rabbi, in the sense that He was not a disciple of another rabbi, after having been taught throughout his youth. Then, Jesus' own disciples were not educated in this way, either, having already begun various trades (although some, like Luke, were educated in other fields). But From the beginning Jesus spoke with the wisdom of God the Father, always amazing others (see Luke 2:46-48), only now it was becoming more threatening, since He was gaining a following. Jesus' response to them actually addresses that unspoken concern. If He was seeking His own glory, trying to mount a military or political coup, then they should have felt threatened. This was not Jesus' motive, though, as His own will was perfect obedience to our Father God.
A) This passage has a couple, very personal applications to me. As I pursue a counseling ministry (and truly, what has always been one of my biggest insecurities), my own educations will come into question. Having never been to college, there will be those who question my ability to teach and counsel, and the credibility of my words. The example I have in Jesus and the disciples, and what this passage reminds me, is that the only teaching I should ever be giving, is that of Him who sends me. As long as I am ministering the Word, and not the opinions of man, then I will do well. Second, this passage carries with it a warning about pride and ministry (of any kind, really. In verse 18, Jesus warns about self-seeking motives. In my marriage, parenting, family, friendships, or ministry (really, any relationship or action), if I am trying to teach or counsel or lead from myself, then I am in sin, seeking my own glory. In humility, I should always be keeping my goals and motives on one thing: to glorify of the LORD.
P) Father, You are worthy. You are worthy to be obeyed, trusted, and followed. You are worthy to be believed, known, and glorified. You are worthy of all honor, power, and praise. Open my eyes and ears, to know myself clearly. Show me the true motives of my heart, in every relationship I have, especially when I am giving advice to someone. Let the Holy Spirit remind me of my true goal: to reconcile people to You, and to help them discover Your will for their lives. In my marriage, parenting, and every other relationship, help me to keep You centrally focused as I lead, discipline, or counsel. Give me the confidence that the early disciples had, in knowing that my words and teaching are not my own. Remind me that it is not up to my own wisdom or abilities. In grace, You have given me the Bible, and in it, everything I would ever need for life and godliness. May You alone be glorified in my life, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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