AN EARLY DEBATE

John 7:40-49
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Division and Unbelief

40 When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, “Surely this man is the Prophet we’ve been expecting.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others said, “But he can’t be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.” 43 So the crowd was divided about him. 44 Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.

45 When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

46 “We have never heard anyone speak like this!” the guards responded.

47 “Have you been led astray, too?” the Pharisees mocked. 48 “Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? 49 This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God’s curse is on them!”


From the very beginning of Christianity, there was disagreement over the authenticity of Jesus’ claims. There appears that there was no lack of opinions. Everyone had one. The crowds … the guards … the Pharisees. Is it surprising that the debate continues?

Good can come from healthy debate. As believers, we need to be prepared … equipped to effectively support the authenticity of the Scriptures. And we need to be ready to state what Jesus stated. Note that the guards were persuaded by what Jesus spoke. Our opinions may be well thought out but the bottom line must always be God’s Word.