Keeping An Open Ear
Scripture – John 7:11-15: Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) So, Jesus sneaks into Jerusalem. I can imagine Him in disguise, mingling with the crowds, perhaps asking what people think about this fellow called Jesus. The people were whispering among themselves – expressing different opinions. The one thing all seem to agree on is that Jesus was just a man – whether He was a good man or a con man. At some point, Jesus decided to make Himself known. Perhaps He had heard enough from the people. Maybe He realized they still didn’t get it about who He was. For whatever reason, He suddenly appeared in the temple courts – a very public place – and began to teach. The depth of His teaching even caught the attention of the Jews. What’s going to happen next?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will keep an ear out for what people are saying about Jesus and the church today. I will listen, as well, for God’s direction as to how I should respond.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Help me hear clearly, Lord. Most of my time is spent with church people. That’s where you’ve called me to serve. So, help me hear what they’re saying about you. At the same time, as I encounter people outside the church, help me hear them, as well.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) So, Jesus sneaks into Jerusalem. I can imagine Him in disguise, mingling with the crowds, perhaps asking what people think about this fellow called Jesus. The people were whispering among themselves – expressing different opinions. The one thing all seem to agree on is that Jesus was just a man – whether He was a good man or a con man. At some point, Jesus decided to make Himself known. Perhaps He had heard enough from the people. Maybe He realized they still didn’t get it about who He was. For whatever reason, He suddenly appeared in the temple courts – a very public place – and began to teach. The depth of His teaching even caught the attention of the Jews. What’s going to happen next?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I will keep an ear out for what people are saying about Jesus and the church today. I will listen, as well, for God’s direction as to how I should respond.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Help me hear clearly, Lord. Most of my time is spent with church people. That’s where you’ve called me to serve. So, help me hear what they’re saying about you. At the same time, as I encounter people outside the church, help me hear them, as well.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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