Gospel of John Student Devotionalනියැදිය

In John 7:10-44, we see a scene full of tension, confusion, and questions about who Jesus really is. The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles is going on, and people are talking about Jesus everywhere. Some think He is the Messiah, some think He is a fraud, and others are just confused about His true identity. What’s striking is how divided everyone is. But in the middle of all the chaos, Jesus invites us to make a choice: Who do we believe He is?

As high schoolers, we get it, right? We live in a world that loves to label and categorize people. Sometimes we’re surrounded by opinions that shape how we view ourselves, others, and even Jesus. Just like the people in this passage, we’re often faced with conflicting views—what does it really mean to follow Jesus?

I am going to break down this passage into five sections:

1. Jesus Stands Out (John 7:10-13)

The passage starts with the confusion around Jesus’ public appearance. Some people want to see Him at the festival, but they’re scared of what the religious leaders will do. A lot of people talk about Jesus but don’t have the courage to take a stand. This is true for us, too. There are so many voices around us trying to tell us who we should be, and sometimes it’s easier to blend in than to speak up.

Jesus was bold in His actions and in what He said. He didn’t hide; He didn’t play it safe. In fact, He was so bold that people couldn’t figure out what to think about Him. But His boldness pointed to something important—He was showing the world who He was and inviting people to take a stand for Him.

2. The People’s Questions (John 7:14-24)

As soon as Jesus starts teaching in the temple, people start questioning Him. They’re amazed at His wisdom, but they can’t understand how someone from His background could have such authority. They don’t get that Jesus isn’t just a regular teacher—He’s the Son of God. Jesus answers their confusion by challenging them: “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law.” (John 7:19)

This is a reminder that following Jesus isn’t just about knowing the right answers; it’s about living out the truth of who He is in our lives. Jesus doesn’t just want our heads to be filled with knowledge; He wants our hearts to be transformed.

3. Division Over Jesus (John 7:25-36)

As Jesus continues to teach, the crowd begins to divide. Some are intrigued by Him, others are skeptical. People wonder whether He could be the Messiah, but there’s doubt. This is where we see the most relatable part of this passage. The people in Jesus’ time were just like us—they had questions, doubts, and were trying to make sense of what they were seeing.

In high school, we’re often in the middle of tension between faith and doubt, truth and confusion. But Jesus doesn’t mind our questions. What matters is how we respond to the truth we know about Him. Do we choose to follow Him even if we don’t have all the answers?

4. The Living Water (John 7:37-39)

In the middle of the feast, Jesus stands up and declares, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” (John 7:37). He’s offering something deep and lasting—living water that will never leave you thirsty again. When we follow Jesus, He promises to satisfy our deepest needs. Not just for a moment, but for eternity.

In high school, it’s easy to search for meaning and purpose in things that never truly satisfy: popularity, grades, sports, relationships. But Jesus offers something different. He offers true fulfillment. And He invites us to experience that living water, which is the Holy Spirit, a constant source of strength and peace.

5. The Division Over Jesus’ Identity (John 7:40-44)

At the end of the passage, people are still arguing about who Jesus really is. Some believe in Him, some reject Him. Some even try to arrest Him, but Jesus is untouchable because His time hasn’t come yet.

This moment in the story is a reminder that we all have to choose who Jesus is for ourselves. Is He just a teacher or a prophet to you, or is He your Savior and Lord? There’s no middle ground. Following Jesus means deciding to give Him authority over your life and trusting Him with everything

Reflection question:

Think about your own relationship with Jeus, do you see him as your savior or are we still wrestling with doubts on who he is?