John 7:1-9

The response of the Jews 7:1-9

"John 7 has three time divisions: before the feast (John 7:1-10), in the midst of the feast (John 7:11-36), and on the last day of the feast (John 7:37-52). The responses during each of those periods can be characterized by three words: disbelief, debate, and division." [Note: Ibid., p. 314.]

This section relates the reaction of another significant group of people to Jesus. They were the Jews generally, including Jesus’ brothers. The section also prepares the reader for the following presentation of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem that happened at the feast of Tabernacles.

"In this Gospel Jerusalem is the storm-centre of the Messiah’s ministry, where He vindicates His claims before consummating His work by suffering outside its walls." [Note: Tasker, p. 101.]