Responding to the Opposition

Explanation: Jesus continues to face opposition from all sides. He is opposed by the Jews of Jerusalem (v. 25), the religious leaders (v. 32), the group of unbelieving Jews (v. 35), and the pilgrims at the feast (v. 43). The previous section mentioned that Jesus was being opposed, but now John informs his readers of the different ways Jesus responds to the various factions that want to silence Him. In each case, Jesus does not retaliate, even though they have repeatedly refused to listen. In fact, in v. 33 Jesus tells the people that His time with them is drawing to a close. He wants them to listen before it is too late!

Illustrate: Duke students live in tents for weeks to get tickets to the Duke / UNC game. Imagine a student who waits until the day before the game to try to get a ticket to the big game. Sorry, not going to happen!

Argument: There are no guarantees of tomorrow for any of us. Therefore, it is crucial that we make the best use of our time for Kingdom purposes (). While we may live for another 40 years, those lost people in our relational sphere may relocate due to jobs, drift from our friend circles, become hardened to the Gospel, or they may die. Christ-followers are to recognize the sense of urgency in fulfilling the Mandate that Jesus gave to His Church!

Application: Pray for God to burden you with a lost person that you already know. Pray for opportunities to have Gospel Conversations. Invite them to church, be involved in the process.

Believers are to Respond to lost people with a Renewed Invitation in spite of previous rejections ()

Explanation: The last day of the feast was a day of celebration and thanksgiving. There was a big processional in the streets, followed by a water ceremony that signified the cleansing of the people. It was the climax of the Festival and the city would be full of people. Jesus chose this time to give another teaching, and the focus of His message was an invitation. Jesus calls those who are thirsty to come and be filled with Living Water. He offers this invitation to many who have turned away from following Him, in addition to those who maybe were hearing it for the first time

Illustrate: Satellite & cable providers keep sending invitations to former customers. “It’s not too late! You can still rejoin the family!

Argument: We do not have the right or the authority to write anyone off as a hopeless case. As finite beings, we do not see the big picture of redemption history, and cannot foresee the outcome of any individual in terms of rejecting Christ. Consider this: how many Jerusalem Christians would have predicted the salvation of the murdering Saul? Answer: none. The truth is that we do not and cannot know the future. Therefore, we are to continue to shine the light of the Gospel to all that will listen

Application: Have you written anyone off your list? Have you ceased to pray for a specific lost person because you think they are too far gone? Repent of an arrogant attitude and ask God to give you His heart and burden for the Lost

Believers are to Respond to lost people with the Words of Jesus ()

Explanation: The Chief Priests had sent the Temple Guards to arrest Jesus while He was teaching in the temple (v. 32). The Guards were present on the last day of the Feast when Jesus was giving His invitation and talking about Living Water. John gave a summary statement of His invitation, as Jesus certainly taught more than this singular statement. As the Guards were moving into place to make the arrest, the Words of Jesus began to penetrate. At some point they stopped with their agenda and simply listened, overcome by the sweet words of The Son of God.

When they return to the Chief Priests without a prisoner, the Guards are quickly asked for a reason for their obvious failure. Their response is that they were literally overwhelmed and amazed by Jesus and His teaching!

Illustrate: some people don’t appreciate the outdoors. Take him to Niagara Falls and allow him to experience the grandeur and power of God’s creation and he may very well be overwhelmed

Argument: A lot of the time Christians take the wrong approach with lost people. While building relations are important, and building a logical defense of Christianity is good, we must never miss that the real power is in the words of Jesus. By this is meant the entirety of the Bible as Jesus is the Author of all truth. Friendliness and logic are good things, as are concerts and singings, but God promised that His Word is the change agent for conversion (cf ; )

Application: At some point we must share the Gospel with the Words of Christ. We must lovingly confront sinners with the truth - they are sinners, rebels opposed to God who need a Savior. We are called to share Jesus, and then leave the results to God

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