Jesus is Essential
John 7:40–44: Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” So there was a division among the people because of Him. Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.
He was of the seed of David and out of the town of Bethlehem. That was where He first touched down on this earth. It was “splashdown” for Him in that miserable little stable in that miserable little town. It’s not like the pretty pictures you see on Christmas cards.
He began in Bethlehem, but He didn’t stay there for His earthly ministry. If these people had really wanted to know, they could have learned that His birth took place in Bethlehem and that He did fulfill the prophecies. He is the One who is giving them the invitation to come and drink, but they put up this objection. There will always be a division among the people over who He is until He comes to reign. 1
Walking with Jesus
Is your friendship with your friends more important than your friendship with Jesus? How often do you surrender to His leadership in your life? Daily? Are you ever complimented by your friends because of your passionate love for Jesus?
“But you, Bethlehem, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” Micah 5:2
Jesus will either unite or divide best of friends, depending on how much we trust Him.
Praying
Lord, please help me to tell others with frequency about Your great love and truth.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 1-10) (electronic ed., Vol. 38). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
