Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: From your school days, what rule seemed pointless or silly? Did you break it?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Jesus teaches at the feast. John 7:14 – 32.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- What do the people at the feast say about Jesus? How does Jesus answer the Jew’s question of verse 15? Given the risk, why did Jesus go to the Feast of Tabernacles (v. 16)? How did the people react to Jesus’ teaching? Why?
- What do Jesus’ responses reveal about his authority? How can man know the source of Jesus’ teaching (vv. 16-19 with 5: 37, 42, 46)? How would you respond if you were in the crowd?
- Why do the Jews sometimes circumcise a child on the Sabbath? What point are the leaders missing?
- Who is saying what about Jesus in verses 25-32? What is causing the confusion? Why does Jesus’ teaching in verses 14-29 provoke the responses of verses 30-31? How do you account for the wide range of opinions about him? For the timing involved?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- How does Jesus reveal himself to you today? Are you ever upset by what he says?
- When have you seen religious principles put ahead of love?
- What evidence can you offer of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? Is this presence like flowing water?
- What points are leaders of the world missing today? Why?
Step 5: Reflect: If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my (Jesus’) teaching comes from God or whether I (Jesus) speak on my own.
