John 7:37-52 One Other Man Stands Out

The people identified Jesus with Galilee, not Bethlehem where He'd been born, and the leaders said the Messianic prophesies pointed to Messiah coming from Bethlehem.  They also said that no disciple in Scripture came from Galilee, conveniently missing Jonah, who Jesus said was a picture of Himself, my commentary said.

Nicodemus chastised the leaders for not giving Jesus a fair trial before pronouncing Him guilty.  "They refused to admit that Nicodemus was right in asking for a fair trial, but the only way they could answer him was by means of ridicule.  This is an ancient debate trick:  when you cannot answer the argument, attack the speaker."  Sounds like they'd fit right in today!

Father, I thank You for including Nicodemus in Your Word.  When I feel surrounded by dissension, remind me of what he did.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford