The Jewish leaders wanted to do away with Jesus because he was threatening their influence over the people. Their security and identity was in their knowledge of the Scriptures and therefore they did not want anyone challenging this. Being able to admit it when we are wrong is a vital attribute for the Christian life. If we are not willing to ever be wrong then we will inevitably resist the Holy Spirit who comes to convict us of our wrongs and set us free. Jesus was doing things that did not fit into the neat theological boxes that the religious leaders of his day had inferred from Scripture. So, they rejected his works. Be careful of this in your own life. The works of God will not always fit with our expectations. Be careful lest you find yourself rejecting things that make you feel uncomfortable, or which don’t fit with the way you understand things. Be prepared for God to stretch your understanding. Don’t use Scripture as a defensive mechanism against God. The Bible is there to open up your experience. It is not given to enable you to predict how God will do things. God always works in accordance with his Word but there will be times when it won’t be in accordance with your understanding of his Word. Our understanding is always incomplete. Allow yourself therefore to be surprised, corrected and stretched. Don’t stand your ground disguising your stubborn pride as discernment and zeal for truth. God wants to bless you in ways you have never experienced before. Open your heart and mind to him.
Ask God to challenge your false securities and stretch your understanding.
Read John 7:25-53
