So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. John 7:43 NABRE
After Jesus speaks to a crowd in the temple they begin speaking among themselves about Jesus. Some said Jesus is truly a prophet and others said He is the Messiah, while another group challenged the idea He could be the Messiah because He came from Galilee and not Bethlehem the city of David whose family line the people expect to be the Messiah’s origin. So there is this acknowledgement there is division in the crowd. Jesus Himself knows there will be division over His presence and the message He teaches (see Luke 12:51.) Jesus knows the words He speaks and the message He is here to influence will challenge people. God does not want us to do something easy, following God, doing the work of creating the kingdom of God is difficult. God’s work requires commitment and even challenges who we are and what people want from us. Often in our own family a follower of Jesus will be ostracized and pushed away. To be a follower Jesus and do the will of God means to stand for positions and activities that are not always in line with the culture. To give people clothing, food, water, to visit the ill or the imprisoned can be looked upon as coddling or giving free handouts. Some people might say handouts are not good, people should take care of themselves and lift themselves up from hardship.
Jesus never asks us to have a worthiness test for anyone we help, or a morality test for those who need a hand up. Jesus wants us to help because of whose we are not because of who they are, there is no need to be worthy or moral. Yes, there will be division, doing the work of Jesus challenges those who do it and those who don’t.
Are you a follower of Jesus? Have you been challenged by others when you try to stand with Jesus?
Jesus wants us to help because of whose we are not because of who they are, there is no need to be worthy or moral. Yes, there will be division, doing the work of Jesus challenges those who do it and those who don't. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #divison #challenge #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways