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 7:25-36

1. We see the obstinate blindness of the unbelieving Jews.
2. We see the overruling hand of God over all His enemies.
3. We see the miserable end to which unbelievers may one day come.

"They do not believe what they do not like to believe."

"We are immortal till our work is done. Let us suffer patiently, if we must suffer. Our times are in God’s hand (Psalm 31:15); that hand guides and governs all things here below and makes no mistakes."

"It is far too often forgotten that there is such a thing as finding out truth too late. There may be convictions of sin, discoveries of our own folly, desires after peace, anxieties about heaven, fears of hell, but all too late."

Questions:

1. We learn that the Jews in this passage make false statements regarding Christ, truths that were plainly known to all who searched for it. Ryle reminds us that we often do not believe what we do not want to believe! Have you found this to be true in your life or in the lives of those around you?
2. We see in this passage that although the Jews sought to kill him, they could not because His hour had not yet come. Ryle points out that this is true comfort for the believer. Not one thing happens in our lives that does not come by the wisdom and control of our loving heavenly Father. What area or circumstance in our lives do we need to remember this in today?
3. We learn the frightening truth in this passage that we can learn truth, but too late. The door of mercy is still open and the throne of grace still waiting. Have we found interest in Christ while there is still time? May we not hear, "Where I am you cannot come!"