Until John, we have been using older manuscripts of Ryle's Expository Thoughts. Just recently, though, EP Publishing has put out a lightly updated version of Ryle's work, which I am now working from. If you are interested in a physical copy of the Expository Thoughts, you can find it HERE.

John 7:1-13

1. We should observe the desperate hardness and unbelief of human nature.
2. We should observe one principal reason why many hate Christ.
3. We should observe the strange variety of opinions about Christ which were current from the beginning.

"In our Lord Jesus Christ there was no fault either in temper, word or deed. Yet even Christ’s own brothers did not believe in Him."

"Teach abstract doctrines only and few will find any fault. Denounce the fashionable sins of the day and call on people to repent and walk consistently with God and thousands at once will be offended."

"So long as the world stands, some when they hear of Him will love and some will hate, some will believe and some will believe not."

Questions:

1. We learn that even those who knew Jesus best, like his own brothers and sisters, did not believe in Him. Ryle points out that this is good evidence that we should not feel surprised or troubled that we stand alone, either. Have you ever felt alone? Have you taken that suffering to Jesus and believed that he truly understands?
2. We learn that one of the key reasons people hated Jesus was because he testified that their works are evil. In our gospel sharing, do we talk about evil deeds and call people to repent? Obviously, this will be an area of struggle for us as nobody likes to be disliked, but are we more like Jesus or the world in this regard?
3. We learn of how divided people were when it came to Jesus Christ, a reality fulfilled by Christ's own words that he came to bring a sword. Are we surprised by the multitude of opinions about Jesus today? Are we taking up the cross and giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure?