What Jesus Does To People
Introduction
When we encounter Jesus, we cannot remain unchanged. His presence calls us to believe, brings conviction, challenges what we hold onto, and gives us courage to live out our faith. Through the reactions of those surrounding Jesus in John 7, we are reminded that the gospel always calls for a response. The question is not whether Jesus will move our hearts, but what we will do when He does.
Discussion Questions
Outline
I. He Compels Belief. John 7:40-41
· He speaks to the heart of who we are and speaks words of life into the void of our souls.
II. He Creates Division. John 41-43
· Jesus still divides people today because His identity and authority cannot allow anyone to keep the status quo of their lives.
III. He Brings Conviction. John 7:44-46
· Pay attention when the words of Jesus challenge your assumptions, because conviction may be where God is trying to get your attention.
IV. He Inflames Anger. John 7:47-49
· When Jesus threatens someone’s certainty, status, control, or pride, conviction can move from rejection to a hardened heart and into anger instead of repentance.
V. He Inspires Courage. John 7:50-52
· Faith and belief, when it has grown up, turns into courage.
Study Questions
1. When was the last time you watched a debate, a sports event, or movie where everyone walked away with completely opposite reactions?
2. Read John 7:40–43. Why did some people immediately begin identifying Jesus as the Prophet or the Messiah, while others still hesitated? What is it about the words, works, and claims of Jesus that makes it difficult to treat him as an ordinary man?
3. Read Matthew 10:34–36. How do these words from Jesus challenge the popular assumption that Christian faith should always produce harmony and make everyone comfortable?
4. Read John 7:44-46. Last week, Pastor Keven described spiritual conviction as a kind of “cognitive dissonance,” when belief is contradicted by reality and we are compelled to respond. How have you felt about this in your faith? What helps you choose repentance rather than pulling back into self-defense?
5. Read John 7:47–49. When the religious leaders felt their authority threatened, their disbelief lashed out as personal insults, arrogance, and anger. Why does religious pride turn defensive and venomous when it encounters truth it cannot control? When have you felt this in your own life?
6. Read John 7:50-52. How does Nicodemus show that belief and conviction can gradually grow into courage? How does knowing that your eternity is secure in Christ empower you to overcome the fear in following Jesus?
7. Memorize 2 Timothy 1:7. Share with your group or a trusted friend one area where Jesus is currently challenging, convicting, or stretching you. Take one step this week to respond to that conviction, whether that means believing, repenting, surrendering something you have been defending, or showing courage.