John 7:31-36 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ comes, will he do more miracles than these which this man has done?… I. THOSE WHO WERE FAVOURABLY DISPOSED (ver. 31). The commonalty, who were more or less unsophisticated and free from religious prejudices. These "heard Christ gladly." This favourable disposition — 1. Was founded on facts. There does not seem to be any question, even among His opponents, as to the reality of His miracles. 2. Intensified the opposition of His enemies (ver. 32). They felt that if the people believed in Him their influence, honour, etc., would vanish; and so they were inflamed. Through all Christendom there has always been a large class favourably disposed towards Christ; and this upon a basis of facts. This class still intensifies the opposition of enemies when the atheist, the worldling, etc., mark this disposition they, too, become the more anxious to banish Him from the world. But popular sentiment is our bulwark against infidelity. II. THOSE WHO WERE MALIGNANTLY OPPOSED. Pharisees and chief priests. 1. They were to be deprived of the fellowship of Christ (ver. 83). But six months after this Christ returned to the bosom of the Father. It was only "a little while" He was in their midst, it would have been well had they availed themselves of it. The period of redemptive mercy with all men is but "a little while." 2. They would vainly seek the help of Christ (ver. 34). The hour was approaching for the fall of Jerusalem, and when the Romans were at the gates they would look for deliverance and not find it. There is a time to seek " the Lord, while He may be found"; and there is a time when He will be sought and not found. "Many shall say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord!" etc. 3. They misunderstood the meaning of Christ (vers. 35-36). (1) They started from His words an ungenerous conjecture, "Will He go" etc., i.e., amongst the Jews scattered among the Gentiles, or to the Gentiles. In either case He will go to a contemptible class, and leave our glorious country. (2) They failed to attach to His words the true idea, "What manner of saying is this." They were carnal and judged after the flesh. Thus is it ever with this class. They are deprived of His fellowship. By their corrupt natures they are excluded from the sublime region of purity and benevolence in which He lives. They must all seek His help when too late. They all misunderstand Him. "They have ears but hear not."Conclusion: To which class do you belong? 1. Probably to the former. But to be favourably disposed is not enough; there must be decision, consecration, vital affinity. 2. If to the latter, ponder your condition ere it be too late. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? |
    |