Day 217/260: Read John 7

It has been said that Jesus can fit only one of three descriptions. Either he was a liar, a lunatic, or He is the Lord. This is not a new thought; there were disputes during the first century about His character.

“And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, ‘He is good’; others said, ‘No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.’” The Pharisees and chief priests wanted Him arrested, and they mocked their officers when they came back empty-handed. “Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” They reasoned that Jesus was lying to the people, deceiving them.

Others claimed Jesus was paranoid and possessed. They said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” In another passage, we read that even those close to the Lord doubted His sanity. “But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind’” (Mark 3:21).

Was Jesus a liar? Was He a lunatic? Some recognized the truth of His identity. “And many of the people believe in Him, and said, ‘When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?’”

How do you view Jesus? Is He your Lord?

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

John 8:31. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

Pray

Pray for a better understanding of Jesus’ identity as the Christ, the Savior of mankind.