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How Does This Man Know Letters, Having Never Studied?

Text: John 7:1-24
13 April 2008

(I) Some Questions Raised Concerning The Lord Jesus

1. There was misunderstanding by His brothers

“His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” John 7:3-4

2. There was the accusation of deception by the multitudes

“And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, ‘He is good;’ others said, ‘No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.’ However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” John 7:12-13

3. There was the raising of doubt by the Jews

“And the Jews marvelled, saying, ‘How does this Man know letters, having never studied?’ ” John 7:15

(II) The Reasons Why People Do Not Understand The Lord Jesus

1. The issue of unbelief

“For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” John 7:5

a) They never believed Him in the first place despite being brothers

b) There was no faith to see Him as the Christ

c) They never saw Him as the Messiah

2. The issue of a complaining spirit

“And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him…” John 7:12

3. The issue of confusion

“…Some said, ‘He is good;’ others said, ‘No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.’ ” John 7:12

4. The issue of despising

“And the Jews marveled, saying, ‘How does this Man know letters, having never studied?’ ” John 7:15

5. The issue of being prejudiced

“And the Jews marvelled, saying, ‘How does this Man know letters, having never studied?’ ” John 7:15

(III) What Does Jesus Say About Himself And His Ministry

1. He speaks of His death cryptically

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come…’ ” John 7:6

2. He testifies that the world is evil

“The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” John 7:7

3. His doctrine is from the Father

“Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.’ ” John 7:16

4. He is sent by the Father

“…His who sent Me.” John 7:16b

5. He seeks the glory of the Father

“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true…” John 7:18