SCRIPTURE
"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17)
OBSERVATION
Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. He went secretly because people were watching for him. Halfway through the Feast he got up and began to teach in the temple. People were amazed at his teaching asking, "Where did he get such learning?"
There were two kinds of people watching for him. Those who wanted to trap him in his words and use his words against him to take his life. They thought he was demon-possessed and was speaking nonsense. And, those who believed his teaching. They were the ones who grew to know more of who he was and his heavenly Father.
Jesus makes an interesting point. The only way to know whether his teaching came from God or he was speaking on his own was to do God's will. Obeying God's will brings brings Jesus' teaching into focus because they are one and the same. It's tempting to stand on the outside and criticize Jesus' teaching (judging by appearances). But we will never truly know if his teaching is from God unless we do it.
APPLICATION
Easier said than done. When I grumble and complain about a particular teaching of Jesus, I can be like the people who were trying to trap him in his own words. Well, he didn't mean what he said. Or, he doesn't understand my situation. But the only way I'm going to truly know his teaching is to obey. To jump in, do what he asks, follow what he commands, and stop what he prohibits. Then I will be amazed and ask "Where did he get such learning?" His learning is for my living.
PRAYER
Lord, the only way I find out and discover if Jesus' teaching comes from you is to do your will. You have confirmed time and time again that it is true. He did speak your words both when I obeyed and received the blessing and when I've disobeyed and have received the consequences.
