For hundreds years they had worked on taking control, and Jesus was stirring up their nest. How did Jesus prove Himself? He went right to the Word. It was written.
Open your Bibles to John 5:36.
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me.
The works that Christ had done before men were prophesied many; many times. The problem was that they hadn't read the Word. Our Father's Word was His witness.
John 5:37 And the Father Himself, Which hath sent Me, hath borne witness of Me (to testify). Ye have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. (to see or hear)
They couldn’t care less, shape means they didn’t even care to see him or hear him. That is the way it is to day.
John 5:38 And ye have not His word abiding in you: for Whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not.
God's Word foretold the coming of the Messiah. They didn't believe Jesus, and they didn't believe the Word.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.
John 5:40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.
John 5:41 I receive not honor from men.
The Word is the witness of Jesus. Anyone who thinks he has eternal life without the Savior is sadly mistaken.
John 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
John 5:43 I am come in My Father's name (bring the word), and ye receive (accept) Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Jesus was talking to the Kenites. He identified them in John 8:44 where He tells them, "Ye are of your father the devil". They will certainly receive the antichrist.
John 5:44 How can ye believe', which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?
Men pleasers are difficult to tolerate. They will answer the same question differently depending on what they think the person, or persons, they are talking with want to hear. They worry more about pleasing men than God. Beware of men pleasers. You can never count on them.
John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father (to be a plaintiff): there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?"
The words of Moses were the same as the words of Christ. They are both the Word of God. They were claiming to be believers in Moses, but they were denying He Whom Moses wrote of.
Turn with me to Deuteronomy 18:14 What was Jesus referring to concerning Moses? Jesus was using the Word to prove He was the Messiah.
Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess (to occupy), hearkened (to hear intelligently) unto observers of times (practise magic), and unto diviners (soothsayer): but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered (to give) thee so to do.
You will take over the nations that are in the land the Lord is giving you. They listen to those who practice all kinds of evil magic. But you belong to the Lord your God. He says you must not do those things. Moses is preparing the children of Israel to enter the promise land. Moses was a type of the Deliverer Jesus.
Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee (from among you), of thy brethren, like unto me (flesh man); unto Him ye shall hearken;
Moses is prophesying of one like him, that is to say born of woman, who we should listen to. Another prophet isaiah would record His name as Immanuel God whit us. Another prophet david would name Him the Branch son or builder. Over and over the Word foretells of Him. The scribes and Pharisees didn't believe.
Deuteronomy 18:16 According to all that thou desiredst (ask) of the LORD thy God in Horeb (desolate) in the day of the assembly (to gather), saying, 'Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.'
The people saw the manifestation of God and heard His voice, and it scared them to death. So God sent the Word in a form of someone just like us, born of woman. Someone we could listen to without becoming frightened.
Deuteronomy 18:17 And the LORD said unto me, 'They have well spoken that which they have spoken.
God is saying I hear whit they are saying I will do what they ask.
Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
Jesus is the Living Word. The Word we are able to hear without becoming terrified. It brings us peace of mind.
Deuteronomy 18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken (to hear) unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require (ask) it of him.
The scribes, Pharisees and Kenites didn't believe the words of Jesus. They weren't hearkening to the Word of God. Those of you who believe and hear receive blessings. Those who don't have chastisement ahead.
Deuteronomy 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Anyone who claims to be a teacher of God's Word had better pay close attention to this verse. God becomes very angry, when someone falsely claims to speak His Word. Jesus was speaking the Word of God, and they didn't believe Him. They chose to murder Him. That also was written.
Let's return to the Book of John 7:14.
John 7:14 Now about the midst (middle) of the feast Jesus went up (arise). into the temple, and taught.
John 7:15 And the Jews marveled (admire), saying, "How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned?"
This Man didn't attend our seminary. How could He possibly know the Scriptures so well? The Word of God was standing before them teaching the words commanded by God.
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, "My doctrine (my teaching) is not Mine, but His That sent Me.
John 7:17 If any man will do His will (God’s will), he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.
Jesus wasn't making up words of His own mind as a false prophet mite do. The Word of God was His witness.
John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but He That seeketh His glory (God’s glory) That sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
Jesus didn't need to boast of Himself or seek the glory of men. His glory was given of God long ago, and the Word stands in witness of His glory. It is very important for us to hold these simple truths in our hearts. Why?
Turn with me to II Timothy 3:1. Listen to the Word.
II Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous (difficult or dangerous) times shall come.
Do you believe the Word? If you do, you shouldn't be surprised by the events that lie ahead. Prepare yourself.
II Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (fond of money), boasters (vagrancy or to wander about), proud (above others), blasphemers (railing against man), disobedient to parents, unthankful (ungrateful), unholy (wicked or rude),
II Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection (hard hearted towards kindred), trucebreakers (break there word), false accusers (liar), incontinent (without self control), fierce (savage), despisers of those that are good,
Does this sound a lot like the evening news? It will get worse I promise you. God's Word promises it will get worse.
II Timothy 3:4 Traitors (betrayer), heady (demanding), highminded, (a high opinion of oneself) lovers of pleasures (good times) more than lovers of God; (worldly)
II Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, (christian) but denying (to reject) the power thereof: from such turn away (avoid).
II Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep (sneak) into houses, and lead captive silly (foolish) women laden with sins (heap), led away with divers (various) lust, (desire)
Spiritually speaking, we are all the bride of Christ. There are many silly men and women who will be deceived and taken captive by antichrist, or would rather listen to some man.
II Timothy 3:7 Ever (always) learning (understand), and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Unfortunately, many are learning the traditions of men, and they never get. Around to learning the truth of God's word. Those of you who do are very blessed.
II Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood (opposed) Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds (deprave), reprobate (unapproved) concerning the faith.
Jannes and Jambres Were Pharaoh's magicians who after Aaron cast his rod down and it became a serpent right before Pharaoh, they also cast their rods down and they became serpents. This kind of made Aaron look bad, until Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. People will also try to make you look bad in the future. Stick with God's Word, and you will do just fine. God's Word will stand witness to what you are saying, as long as you stay with the Word.
II Timothy 3:9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly (stupidity) shall be manifest (to show) unto all men, as theirs also was.
God will never let you down. The stupidity of those who try to make you look bad will be made known. Truth always wins over stupidity. God will see to it.
II Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine (teaching), manner of life (up bringing), purpose, faith, (show faith) longsuffering, charity (love), patience, (to wait)
II Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, affictions, (hardship or pain) which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, (place in Asia) at Lystra (place in Asia); what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
If you are persecuted for Christ's sake, God will deliver you as well. You should count persecution as joy.
II Timothy 3:12 Yea (also), all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (will suffer)
II Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers (impostor) shall wax worse and worse, (more and more evil) deceiving, and being deceived. (cause to roam from the safety of the truth)
Remember, we are talking about the last days. It is going to get worse. Prepare yourself mentally and spiritually. If you know the Word, there will be no surprises.
II Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Don't allow anyone to rob you of the truth which we find in God's Word. Stay focused.
In conclusion, let's turn to Luke 10:17.
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy (gladness), saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name." (obey)
The seventy were disciples of Christ. Don't ever forget the power you have over devils it is through Christ's name.
Luke 10:18 And He said unto them, "I beheld (Seen) Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luke 10:19 Behold, (look) I give unto you power to tread (down under foot) on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power (strength) of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Satan will give us trouble; however, Christ has given us power over Satan and all his evil spirits.
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding (nevertheless) in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
When you trust in the Word of God and use the power and authority he has given to you, your name is written in the book of life. Names written are very important.