Where is That Man?

…later, after his family had gone up to the Feast (Feast of Booths), he (Jesus) also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself. The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, “Where is that man?” There was a lot of contentious talk about him circulating through the crowds. Some were saying, “He’s a good man.” But others said, “Not so. He’s selling snake oil.” This kind of talk went on in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders. With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: “How does he know so much without being schooled?” John 7:10-15 The Message

Who is this man, Jesus? Where is he? How does he know so much without going to school? Questions that people asked—wondering about Jesus’ wisdom. It says that they were impressed. Are you impressed by Jesus’ teachings? Most of our values, whether people realize it or not, are based on the Judeo-Christian values that are given in the Ten Commandments and by Jesus…love one another and treat others as you would want them to treat you. Jesus went to the Temple even when He said He wasn’t going to go. He was so motivated to teach the people about His Heavenly Father. People were guarding what they were saying about Jesus so that the Jewish leaders didn’t overhear them. They were afraid that the Jewish leaders would want to kill them, as they want to kill Jesus. We must be careful about not speaking out for Jesus. Jesus warned His disciples before He sent them out to talk to the people of Israel. "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33. Who wants to be negated or disowned before the Heavenly Father? That would be like having the gates of heaven slammed closed in one’s face. Speak up for Jesus…but like my grandmother would say…if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

Jesus was respected for what He wisely taught. Do you respect His teachings? Do you read them every day…and put them into practice in your life? How are you responding to Jesus’ teaching and to know Him today?

Prayer~ Jesus, I rejoice knowing that You created the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles as a joyous time for people to connect with You and with each other. Today as I read Your words in John and in Matthew, please fill my heart and mind with a deeper understanding of You and our Heavenly Father.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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