Tag Archives: Jesus

One Reason Some People Hate Jesus

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Sad, but true, some people just plain hate Jesus Christ.  One reason why is found in John 7:7, where Jesus is talking to His still-unbelieving brothers.

The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.” – John 7:7 (NKJV)

When Jesus says that the things we do are bad, He always does so in love and with our best interests at heart.  Not everyone, however, appreciates His loving correction.  Some people hate correction, period.  As a result “the world” hates Jesus the Messenger who has pointed out their sin.  Therefore, the world cannot experience Him as Jesus the Savior who died to save them from that very sin.

Let’s let Jesus be honest with us.  Anyone who would love us enough to die for us deserves our listening ear.  And certainly anyone who loves us that much deserves something better than hate in return.  In Christ’s case, what He deserves from us is absolute surrender.

Palmer St. Podcast: John 7

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This week we’ll see Jesus go up to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles or Succoth.  He’ll get into some of His usual discussions with the religious leaders, but draw some important questions from many.

At the end of the feast, He’ll make a startling statement about Himself and a new kind of experience available to us all.

Audio: John07.mp3

Notes: John07.pdf

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.  – John 7:37-39 (NKJV)

Recognizing Jesus

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Jesus often appears to us under strange circumstances, conditions in which we do not expect to see Him.  At those times our immediate, unneccesary reaction can be fear.  Eventually, however, He makes Himself known to us, our fear subsides and all is well.  Consider the experience of the disciples in the boat:

Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.” – John 6:19-21 (NKJV)

The trick in our situation is to remember that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20).  He’s just as much there when we don’t expect Him as when we do.  If we’d keep that in mind, the initial, unproductive response of fear would be lessened.  Our minds would be at ease; our hearts would be at peace. 

The next time the wind blows and the sea rises, and you wonder what happened to Jesus, remember that He is there.  He’ll soon say, “It is I; do not be afraid,” and you’ll immediately get where you’re going.