The Values of Jesus
Life In His Name
May 25, 2025
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Using John 7 the sermon shows how Jesus chooses his timing and way of ministry, exposes superficial judgments and self-righteous leaders, and calls us to seek God's glory and spiritual fruit rather than numerical success or personal acclaim.
Summary
The sermon situates John 7 in its background — Jesus has stayed away from Jerusalem because people were seeking to kill him — and highlights how this chapter’s many questions expose what makes Jesus different: his priorities are God’s glory and spiritual fruit, not crowds or numbers. Jesus’ brothers urge a public spectacle, but Jesus chooses God’s timing; Jewish leaders cling to appearance and condemn him as a Sabbath breaker out of self-righteousness. Christians are urged to judge rightly by motive (seeking God’s glory), to discern trustworthy teaching in a crowded media marketplace, and to receive Jesus’ salvation while valuing faithful, simple spiritual fruit over superficial success. The sermon closes by calling the church to prayer for the sacrament and to be fed by true spiritual food.
Key Points
- Background: Jesus avoids Jerusalem for six months because Judean leaders sought to kill him.
- John 7 contains many revealing questions that show how Jesus is different in priorities and purpose.
- Jesus chooses the timing and manner of his ministry; his brothers’ focus on crowds contrasts with his kingdom priorities.
- The world values measurable success and numbers, but God values simple spiritual fruit like generosity.
- The powerful, faithful proclamation of Jesus will always provoke response; the gospel is never irrelevant.
- Discernment: test teachers by whether they seek God’s glory, not personal fame; this exposes untrustworthy leaders.
- The Sabbath was intended as blessing; critics who prioritize appearances show self-righteousness and spiritual blindness.
- In a crowded media marketplace, prefer content that points to God’s glory over brand-building.
- Invitation: trust Christ, receive his salvation, and participate worthily in the sacrament; pray for true spiritual nourishment.
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