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Opposition and Rejection

Family Rejection

Lesson Seven

John 7:1-16, 25-31

Background:

Timestamp – In verse two the chapter opens with a natural time-stamp, referencing the Feast
of Tabernacles, placing the following events six months after the previous chapter, into the
second year of the Messiah’s ministry. The feast begins in the seventh month of the Jewish civil
calendar, the month of Tishri (Sept-Oct).

Family Rejection – A half year after countless disciples turned away to walk with Him no more,
the Son of God (God actively present on earth) faced rejection within His residential family. Those
that were physically the closest to Him were spiritually the most distant. The residents of the
family assigned to Him wrestled with believing in an identity different from what was apparent
to them. His brothers intently diminished the stature of the eldest son, removing all divine
characteristics to make Him equal to them.

The proof-test the brothers offer would place His life in jeopardy; baiting Him to prove Himself
by attending the Jerusalem feast in high-profile, public view.

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