21 Days of DiscipleshipSample

From Suspicion to Division

Jesus continues to assert his authority as the Son of God. In John 7, He has some bold things to say during a prominent Jewish festival. On the last day, the most important day of this celebration, Jesus stands up in front of everyone, calling all to believe in Him and receive living water. 

There are a variety of responses to Jesus’ message. Some want to crown Him, others want to kill Him. Overall, there’s a lot of confusion about His intentions. Why make these bold, public declarations? Why do all these incredible miracles? The Jewish leaders were suspicious that Jesus wanted to overthrow them. Others believed He came to save them from the Romans. Even His own brothers initially doubted Him. Clearly, there was a lot of confusion that led to division. 

This sounds a lot like our world today; there’s so much division because we are full of suspicion. Will this person really do what they say they will do? Will these people be there for me or will they use me? Are they being upfront or just telling me what I want to hear? When suspicion takes over, division follows. But it’s hard not to be suspicious when we have misplaced our confidence.

See, the reason we can be okay in the craziness is because we trust Jesus. Notice that Jesus was the One who remained constant through all of this. Though His brothers didn’t believe Him, His countrymen wanted to betray Him, and no one else seemed to be able to make up their mind about Him, He stayed the same. He continued to reveal Himself as the Way, Truth, and Life to a lost, confused, and dying world. And He is still just as steady. So, instead of being suspicious and divisive, disciples of Jesus are peaceful and confident. Because we know the One who is constant.

Challenge: Journal your answers to the following questions: What is an area of your life where you may be trading confidence in Jesus for a suspicious outlook? Why is it so easy to slip into suspicion in our interactions with people? How can you daily remind yourself where to place your confident trust?