“Among the crowds there was widespread whispering (goggusmos: murmuring, grumbling) about Jesus. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” (John 7:12) The Jews did not accept Jesus as their Messiah because they believed that Jesus would come as a CONQUERING KING at His first coming and free them from Roman bondage! But before He could conquer, He had to die for our sins so we could be redeemed.
This was the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, as Jews arrived at the city, some went to the homes of friends and relatives while others gratefully accepted the hospitality of strangers. The rest pitched camp all around the city. First, they erected their sukkot (a hut or booth, that Jews built to live in during the Feast), similar to the type farmers lived in during the annual grape and olive harvests. They constructed them from willow and olive branches and decorated them with grapevines and fruit. They could find these items in the Kidron Valley just east of the city.
“Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. And THE JEWS MARVELED (thaumazō: to be held in admiration) saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” (John 7:14-15) Well, it just so happens that Jesus is Omniscient (all knowing) and “JESUS is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For BY HIM were ALL THINGS CREATED, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created BY HIM (Jesus), and FOR HIM (Jesus):” (Colossians 1:15-16)
But wait, I thought God created all things! “In the beginning GOD CREATED the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) OK, HOW DID HE DO IT? “GOD SAID, “Let there be light”; and THERE WAS LIGHT.” (Genesis 1:3) When “God said” “Let there be light” What came out of His mouth, THE WORD! And who is THE WORD? “In the beginning was THE WORD, and THE WORD was with God, and THE WORD was God… And THE WORD became FLESH and dwelt among us, and WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14) “Jesus is dressed in a robe dipped in blood. His name is THE WORD OF GOD.” (Revelation 19:13)
JESUS CHRIST, THE WORD OF GOD!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham