Daily Bible Reading – September 2022: "God’s Renewing Word of Wisdom"ናሙና

September 7

Introduction

Jesus returns to Galilee and meets with his brothers, who urge him to go to Judea to attend the Festival of Shelters (also known as the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles). This fall agricultural celebration commemorated God’s providing for the people during their journey in the desert following the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-17). Jesus attends the festival in secret, but he teaches in the Temple midway through the festival. The Jewish authorities are surprised by Jesus’s teachings and knowledge.

Scripture Reading

John 7:1-24

Today’s Key Verse: John 7:16

Jesus answered, “What I teach is not my own teaching, but it comes from God, who sent me.”

Reflect

In urging Jesus to go to Judea, Jesus’s brothers implied that proof of his works was needed, indicating they did not believe in him (verse 5). What did Jesus’s brothers say to him (verses 3, 4)? How did Jesus respond (verses 6-8)? [Note: Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus states that his time or hour “has not yet come,” as cited in verse 6, a reference to the time of Jesus’s glorification—death, resurrection, and ascension.] Why did Jesus decide to attend the Festival of Shelters secretly? How did Jesus respond to the Jewish authorities when he began to teach in the Temple (verses 16-19, 21-24)? In matters of faith today, do people still seek “proof?” Explain.

Pray

Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God and that your teachings come from God. I seek to do what God wants and to serve you as a faithful disciple. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

John 7:25-39: Jesus continues teaching in the Temple.