This text continues to delve into the reaction of the people to Jesus regarding His identity and authority. The people were fascinated with Him. Some even believed in Him. The leaders were jealous of Him and sought to kill Him. Who do you believe Jesus is?

In this portion of Moses' sermon, he puts forth a sort of "responsive living" outline. Three times, a description of God and/or His actions is given followed by a plea for the people to respond appropriately.

John's focus in this text is not on the content of His teaching but on the authority of His teaching and Jesus' identity as a teacher. He speaks from above and as the perfect law-keeping Son of God.

This text shows a transition in Moses' sermon from the historical review demonstrating the people's unworthiness in receiving God's gift of the Promised Land to the charge given them to enter the land walking with the LORD.

At this juncture in John, the Holy Spirit inspires the author to write about the different reactions of the world to Jesus ranging from opposition to unbelief to perplexity. Even Jesus' own brothers did not trust in Him!

In the context of Moses' reminder that it is not their righteousness that brought them into the promised land, he reminds them of their history as a rebellious and obstinate people as well as God's history of faithfulness and mercy.

The gospel - and Jesus - are offensive to unbelievers; not "winsome" but offensive! Apart from divine intervention, no one will come to Jesus. And yet, as Peter proclaims, there is nowhere else to turn for eternal life!

In the human tendency to take credit for what others have done, the LORD warns Israel (and us) not to take credit for what He has done. It is not by the righteousness of man that God brings His blessings - no, we are a stiff-necked people, rebels at heart but for the grace of God.

On the verge of entering the promised land, Moses is compelled by the Spirit to warn the people of the danger of forgetting the LORD, His covenant and His works. Especially in times of plenty, all of us have a tendency to forget it is the LORD who gives us every blessing, even the covenant of grace that leads to salvation.