🕊️ Devotional on John 7:11–20 – Teaching from God, Not Man

🕊️ John 7:11–20 Devotional – Teaching from God, Not Man

1. Start with Prayer

Lord, I come to You seeking truth, not opinions. Help me hear Your voice above the crowd. Guide me in discerning Your will and obeying it. Amen.

2. Scripture Reading – John 7:11–20 (NIV) 📖

11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?”
12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”
    Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”
13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.
14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.
15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”
16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.
17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.
18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”
20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
    

3. Repeated Words or Phrases 🔁

• Jesus – v.11, v.12, v.14, v.16
• Teaching / Teach – v.14, v.15, v.16
• Law / Moses – v.19
• Public vs. Fear – v.13
• Truth / Falsehood – v.18

4. Theme 🧭

"True Teaching Comes from God, Not from Human Recognition"

5. Observing God 🙏

• Jesus teaches with authority from God (v.16).
• He clarifies that truth is known by those who seek to do God's will (v.17).
• God's messenger seeks only His glory, not personal fame (v.18).
• Jesus confronts hypocrisy directly (v.19).

6. Observing Humanity 🙋

• The leaders were watching Jesus with suspicion (v.11).
• The crowd whispered and debated His identity (v.12).
• Fear of leadership silenced public affirmation (v.13).
• People judged teaching based on credentials (v.15).
• Some accused Jesus of being demon-possessed (v.20).

7. Interpretation – About God 💡

Jesus shows us that true teaching flows from divine origin, not human approval. He never sought popularity or fame, but instead pointed all glory to the Father. Those who desire to do God's will are given discernment to know what is truly from God. God's truth is revealed not just through words, but through the heart of the messenger and the alignment with divine purpose.

8. Interpretation – About People 🪞

This passage reveals the instability and fear in human nature—afraid to speak truth because of others, swayed by rumors, and evaluating spiritual authority by worldly standards. We often look for credentials, reputation, or public approval, rather than examining the message and the fruit. Like the crowd, we can easily misjudge God's work if our hearts are not surrendered to His will.

9. Life Application 🪴

Whose approval are you seeking? Are you more influenced by popular opinion than by God’s Word? Today, reflect on whether you are truly desiring God’s will—or simply knowledge and recognition. Seek to glorify Him above all, and trust Him to confirm what is true through His Spirit.

10. Spiritual Touch ✨

“My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me.” – John 7:16

11. Closing Prayer 🙏

Heavenly Father, I long to hear truth—not just what sounds right or sounds good. Help me discern Your voice above all others. Let me walk in Your will, and teach me not to fear what others think. I want to honor You with my words, my decisions, and my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

12. Walk With the Word 🌅

Let John 7:17 guide your heart today: “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God.” Obey first, and understanding will follow.