John 7  It is the Feast of Booths, the last year of Jesus's life on earth.  This chapter records for us the confusion and conflict that surrounds His ministry.  Everyone has questions and opinions....

The brothers of Jesus did not believe in Him. ( v5)
The Jews were seeking Him. ( v11)
Some proclaimed His goodness while others accused Him of leading people astray. ( v12)
Many marveled at His teaching. (v15)
Some thought He was crazy for thinking that the Jews wanted to kill Him. ( v20)
Some thought, " Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill?" (v25)
They argued about His birth place.
They argued about His teaching.
They were divided over everything that had to do with Jesus.

Jesus had been clearly proclaiming and proving His identity.  He testified over and over that everything He did and said was directly from the Father in heaven.  The people listened and made a decision - they either believed Him or they hated Him.  We have to make the same decision -
Will we listen and accept His Words and believe in Him?
Or will we reject Him and all that He has to say?

Jesus says:
"The world ... hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil." ( v7)
"If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself." ( v17)
"... judge with righteous judgement." ( v24)
"He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.  I know Him; because I am from Him, and He sent Me." ( v29)
" ... then I go to Him who sent Me .. and where I am, you cannot come." ( v33-34)
"If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." (v37-38)

We know that His Words are true.  The deeds of the world are evil. He was hated and killed for no other reason than that they did not believe that He was who He said He was.  He did go where they could not.  He glorified the Father and sought no glory for Himself from man.  He did give the Holy Spirit after His resurrection, the river of living water in our innermost beings.

Thank You Father for Jesus, for His life and teaching, for His death and resurrection.  Thank You that He spoke the Truth and that it was written down so that we might also know His Words - Your Words for life.  Continue to pour out the rivers of living water in our innermost beings.  We ask this in His Name.  We praise and exalt You, Jesus, our Lord and King.  amen.