John 7

Jesus Testifies in Jerusalem

The events in John 7 occurred in Jerusalem during the Feast of the Tabernacles. This feast, which the Lord had commanded the children of Israel to observe since the time of Moses, included several important symbolic rituals or rites. At the time of Jesus, one of these was the priests drawing water from the pool of Siloam and pouring it out in the holy place of the temple—symbolic of God pouring out His Holy Spirit among the people (see Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 3:123). As you read John 7, notice what Jesus taught that related to this symbolic activity, along with the many other testimonies He bore to the people.

Understanding the Scriptures

John 7

Jewry (v. 1)Judea

Every whit (v. 23)Completely

Whence (vv. 27–28)Where

Dispersed (v. 35)Scattered Israelites

Thither (v. 36)There

John 7:1, 13, 15, 35, 45–48—Who Were the Jews Who Sought to Kill the Lord?

Jesus had many followers among the Jews (see John 6:2). Those Jews who sought to kill Him were the religious leaders of the Jews, mainly the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus had angered them by performing miracles on the Sabbath day and by claiming that He was literally the Son of God (see John 5:16–18).

John 7:6–9, 30, 33; 8:20—“My Time Is Not Yet Come”

Jesus knew that He was living the last months of His mortal life. He also knew that His mission was not yet complete. His Father in Heaven would sustain His life until He finished all that He had been sent to do. According to the Joseph Smith Translation of John 9:4, the Savior testified, “The time cometh when I shall have finished my work, then I go unto the Father.”

Studying the Scriptures

Do one of the following activities (A or B) as you study John 7.

1. Underline the Phrases

   Have you ever felt alone or as if everyone were against you? Read John 7:1–13 and look for ways in which Jesus might have felt that kind of loneliness.

   1. List the verses that contain phrases showing that Jewish leaders were openly seeking to kill Jesus.

   2. Tell how the situation in John 7:5 might affect how Jesus felt. How might it affect you?

2. Scripture Mastery—John 7:17

   Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, testified, “Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 33; or Ensign, May 1996, 25).

   Explain how Elder Scott’s statement helps you understand the meaning of John 7:17.