City People

Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? - John 7:25

In today's text, John shifts his focus from the crowd's reaction to the people of Jerusalem. Like most cities, the people of Jerusalem were more educated, affluent, influential, and political and were like our typical New Yorkers. They were skeptical of new teachings and needed academic proof.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, many of us are like the Jerusalemites and are educated, affluent, influential, political, and skeptical of the teachings of the bible. We struggle with the disagreement between the bible and our current social issues. How should we reconcile our internal conflict?

We must first recognize that faith is required for us to believe and know God. As we saw in John 5, God's word bears witness about Jesus Christ, and we have eternal life in Him (John 5:39-40). God's word is truth.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

As we face the challenging issues of the time, let us place our trust in Christ and His teachings. In times of trouble and doubt, instead of relying on our abundant resources, let us cry out to God as the man in Mark's gospel,

"I believe; help my unbelief." -Mark 9:24

May we continue to grow in faith as we walk with Christ. Let us trust and obey!

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." - Hebrews 11:6