“Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.”50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?”52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” 53 Then they all went home.” John 7.45-53
I love the way this segment ends — “Then they all went home.”
So much has happened. Jesus returning to Jerusalem against his better judgement, heckling from the crowd because of a previous miracle, then death threats and false accusations about who he is said to be. I’d want to go home too!
So after all this is said and done the last conversation we have before this curtain closes is from the Jewish temple guards who return to the chief priests and the Pharisees who question them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” To which the guards reply, “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” I find this statement very revealing about how Jesus spoke (and on what level) and the impact he had on people with open minds. The temple guards weren’t as prejudiced as the chief priests or Pharisees — they heard Jesus’ message and were moved by it.
But the religious leaders rebuke the guards saying, “You mean he has deceived you also?” Then they ask if any of the rulers of the Pharisees believed him — to which they answer their own question, “No, But this mob that knows nothing of the law — there is a curse on them.” And then, the one Pharisee who had chosen to listen and perhaps follow Jesus (for he came to Jesus at night) said. “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” Nicodemus speaks in favor of Jesus, in support of him as Messiah. But the other Pharisees who get the last word say to him, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
Much conflict surrounded Jesus. Some believed and others doubted. This is the way of things and the common reaction to Jesus still to this day. He moves some to belief (guards, the crowds and Nicodemus) and others to doubt (chief priests and Pharisees). Those who believed will one day return home with Jesus. Not his earthly home in Galilee, although the Lord may recreate this with a new heaven and a new earth — but his heavenly home. Those who trust the Lord will have as he promised — “springs of living water welling up to eternal life.”
No matter your path, your sin or your struggles, Jesus does not give up. I need to hear this today. To be reminded that I am good enough because Jesus made me so. My worth isn’t decided upon by earthly success but by his righteousness . His love covers a multitude of sins! (1 Peter 4.8)
Will you trust the Lord right now? Confess your sin, share your pain, allow the one who can raise the dead to elevate your heart and soul so one day you might experience a new home in heaven.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Even when I fail. You are steadfast. You are faithful. You are just. I am a wayward sinner, trying to become a saint. I have but a brief moment in time on the earth to walk in obedience and to be your servant. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me be the person you have called and created me to be. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen
