Pleasing Him or Ourselves? Jennifer Woodley
‘How does this man have such learning, when he has never been taught?’ John 7:15 (NRSV)
Jesus’ knowledge and understanding of Scripture puzzled the Jews. He had not attended a course in Jewish schools which was prescribed for the regular scribes and rabbis, and yet He excelled in the learning of which the Jews themselves professed to be the sole teachers. No person had ever spoken with more grace and dignity, had known better how to make a more proper use of Jewish allegories and parables, cited the Scriptures more accurately or understood so deeply the traditions of the elders. How could that be?
Jesus gave the Jews an explanation of this wonderful feat. His teaching had its source not in His own knowledge, but in the Father who sent Him. What He taught was not a discourse on philosophy or human ideas, but the eternal truth straight from His Heavenly Father. Christ and His teachings could be trusted, depended upon. And because they were the very words of God Himself, they glorified Him alone.
The Jews, however, were preaching their own words, from their own mind and had only one aim: to glorify themselves.
Therefore, let us consider our words, when we teach the words of Christ, the old-fashioned message that speaks of salvation and forgiveness, glorifying God alone. Can God depend on us? Do we understand what we are saying and are we faithful in our speech to the teachings of Christ? Are we listening to the Spirit before we let loose with our tongue? Are we truly living what we are saying?
Be inspired to live and speak daily what alone glorifies God.
Jennifer lives near Toowoomba, Queensland, with her family and enjoys encouraging others on their Christian journey. Contact | 
