John 7:15-17 English Standard Version
15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.
We left off yesterday with the issue of a challenge related to knowing God’s will.
Allow me to paraphrase the import parts of the above scripture in terms related to pride.
Jewish leader says, “How can you know this? I didn’t teach you.”
Jesus answers, “One greater than you taught me. Why don’t you recognize His word?”
These are words from John 7 that explain how the people reacted.
John 7:25-26 English Standard Version
Can This Be the Christ?
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26 And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?
The people begin to question their religious leaders.
John 7:32 English Standard Version
Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him.
The religious leaders tried to put an end to the rumors. We can only assume what their motivations are in seeking to arrest Jesus. It might be that they did not care to be challenged. It might be that they failed the challenge. It might be that their egos were bruised. It might be they feared losing control over their congregation.
Having said all that based on assumptions related to the scriptures read what conclusions should we draw from this?
How do we react when challenged?