John 7:51-8:1

51 “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”

52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”

53 And everyone went to his own house.

8:1  But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

“Can You Judge Someone Before You Truly Listen to Him?”

Nicodemus, whom we read about in chapter 3, speaks up in defense of Jesus by saying, “How can we who follow the law, judge someone before hearing him and knowing what he is doing here?” This shows that Nicodemus is different from the rest of the Pharisees in that he takes the law seriously and believes in giving Jesus a fair chance to explain Himself. In other words, Nicodemus is saying that Jesus deserves a fair trial. Maybe Nicodemus thought of Proverbs 18:13 at this moment, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” The law did not advocate the practice of arresting someone without cause. We see that Nicodemus’ heart is much different from the other Pharisees. He came to Jesus by night so that he could find out more about him (John 3). I believe he came to Jesus at night for two reasons. One, to be alone with Jesus so that he could speak from his heart and ask him the questions he had without an audience, and two, to protect himself. He knew that the other Pharisees wouldn’t be on board with Nicodemus giving this Jesus person the time of day. These Pharisees were arrogant and quick to belittle anyone who questioned their authority and views on the law. 

In verse 52, we see a scornful attitude in their answer to Nicodemus’ question. They said, paraphrasing, “Are you from Galilee also? You must be, since you are speaking up in defense of this man! Don’t you know that no prophet ever came out of Galilee?” Do you hear the hateful sarcasm and prejudiced tone in their voices? These Pharisees have a contempt for people from the region of Galilee, so much so that they won’t even consider that the Messiah would come from there. They were also wrong in their statement about no prophet ever coming from Galilee, because Jonah was from the town of Gath-Hepher, which was in the region of Galilee. (2 Kings 14:25) I feel fairly certain that they knew that, but were just grasping at straws to try to discredit Jesus because of where He was from. This could be a mini-lesson on being prejudiced against others because of where they are from, what they look like, how they dress, how wealthy they are, their status in the community, etc. God shows no partiality, and neither should we (Romans 2:11, James 2:1-8). Galatians 3:28 says all we need to know about showing partiality, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

After this discussion, everyone went to their own homes, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives is the site of some major events in Jesus’ life. In Luke 21:37, it says, “And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet.” It seems that this was the home base of Jesus during this time. Jesus taught His disciples from the Mount of Olives, including the famous Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24-25. The Garden of Gethsemane is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion. Jesus ascended back to heaven from the Mount of Olives. (Acts 1:9-12) 

There are a couple of applications for us that I took from these verses. We need to have the courage of Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee himself. Think about the courage it took for him to question his fellow Pharisees on matters of the law! Were there other Pharisees there who felt the same way as Nicodemus, but were afraid to speak up? How did they treat Nicodemus after this confrontation? Will I speak up for the truth when everyone else in the room is against it? Or will I stay quiet, and just let it go? Doesn’t it seem like it is acceptable for everyone else to say what they believe “their truth” is, except for us, the members of the Lord’s church? Yes! It certainly does seem that way! But the bottom line is, we can’t stay quiet. We have to get into the conversation if we want to affect any kind of change.

The second lesson that I got from these verses comes from the Pharisees. It is a lesson in what not to do. When responding to Nicodemus, the Pharisees were sarcastic and belittling towards him, just because he had a different view than they did. When talking with others about the gospel who have different views than we do, we have to be careful not to have any kind of argumentative or sarcastic tone, even if the person we are talking to becomes argumentative and sarcastic towards us. We have to rise above, continue to speak the truth in love, and stay calm, cool, and collected. The truth is so clear to us, but let’s always remember that it is not clear to others who have been raised in a denomination, or possibly haven’t been raised in any kind of religious environment at all. Personally, I know that I took the fact that I was raised to know the truth for granted for a really long time, and I still feel guilty for that, even though I know I’m forgiven. I often think, why me? Why did I get to be raised to know the truth, and others have not had that opportunity? Don’t get me wrong, I am so very grateful, but I’m humbled by it also. The fact that I took my upbringing for granted the way that I did when others haven’t had the same opportunity to learn the truth really bothers me. Will I speak up for the sake of others’ souls? Will I be like Nicodemus?

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)