GPCJohnClass: Class Notes for Sunday, February 20

The Growing Opposition to Jesus

Walter led the class.

I. Stage setting

In John 7, we see Jesus tell his disciples to move up Jerusalem ahead of him to celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacles. The Feast of the Tabernacles is celebrated every fall after Yom Kippur. In fact God commanded this celebration to Moses in Leviticus 23:33–45. The Feast of the Tabernacles is a biblical Thanksgiving holiday. More on this Jewish holiday can be researched here.

Interesting side note: Many scholars believe Jesus true birthday can be placed around the Feast of the Tabernacles.

We see in John 7

Jesus continuing his ministry in Galilee
Disciples go to Jerusalem ahead of Jesus
Jesus clandestinely slips into Jerusalem and teaches in the Temple

He is aware of the growing opposition to his ministry

“The Jews” (Pharisees and other Jewish leaders) attempt to have Jesus arrested
Guards amazed by Jesus and refuse to arrest
Nicodemus provides forceful defense of Jesus ministry

Uses laws against Pharisees

Attempt to trap Jesus with questions about the adulterous woman
Jesus speaks to their own sin

“If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jn 8:7

“I am the light of the world” Jn 8:12

Note symbolism: lighted cauldrons were part of the Feast of the Tabernacles

II. John 8:31–46

“Truth will set you free” Jn 8:32
Abraham’s descendents
Slave to sin

Note dualism: Jesus is teaching the spiritual, yet most are understanding the physical. This is a common theme throughout John

Devil as liar
Jesus here to teach God’s truth
Do not hear truth because caught up believing Devil’s lies
Harsh words – rebuking

III. John 8:47–59

Call Jesus a Samaritan and demon possessed
Jesus clear that he is not glorifying self. He is the instrument of God’s glory.
“…before Abraham was born, I am.” Jn 8:52
Pharisees try to stone Jesus
Escalation of animosity is now to point “the Jews” want to kill Jesus

IV. John 9:1–12

Jesus performs miracle on blind man
Blind since birth
Disciples ask who sinned, the blind man or his parents?
Jesus answers uniquely.

³“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. Jn 9:3

Comment: This is Jesus answer to the question many of us ask, “Why bad things happen to good people.”

V. John 9:13–34

Pharisees investigate blind man miracle
Performed on sabbath
Mud in eye – sabbath violation
Blind man witnesses Jesus as a prophet
Parent’s afraid to answer. fear of excommunication from synagogue.
Blind man rebukes Pharisees using own laws and teachings against them in Jn 9:30–33

³⁰The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. ³¹We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. ³²Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. ³³If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

Pharisees cast blind man out. Jn 9:34

VI. John 9:35–41

Blind man’s faith
³⁹Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Jn 9:39
Pharisees demonstrate their spiritual blindness by not understanding Jesus

VII. Healing of the blind is a common occurrence in Bible

Mk 8:22–36, Mt 20:29–34, Mk 10:46–52, Lk 18:35–43, Mt 12:22–30, Is 61:1–2, Lk 4:18, Lk 7:21–22, and Mt 21:14

VIII. Next week – Jim will lead the class.

I am the good shepherd

I am the resurrection and the life