John 7:20
"You have a demon," the crowd replied. "Who is trying to kill You?"
You have a demon
This phrase reflects the crowd's reaction to Jesus' teachings and the accusations against Him. In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, attributing someone's actions or words to demonic influence was a way to discredit them. The Greek word for "demon" here is "daimonion," which in the New Testament often refers to evil spirits or forces opposed to God. The crowd's accusation reveals their misunderstanding and spiritual blindness, as they fail to recognize Jesus' divine authority and mission. This reflects a broader theme in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is often misunderstood or rejected by those He came to save.

the crowd replied
The term "crowd" in this context refers to the general populace present during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. This festival was one of the major Jewish feasts, drawing large numbers of people from various regions. The crowd's response is significant because it shows the mixed reactions to Jesus' ministry. Some were curious, others skeptical, and some outright hostile. The crowd's reply also highlights the tension and division among the people regarding Jesus' identity and the claims He made about Himself.

Who is trying to kill You?
This question posed by the crowd indicates either genuine ignorance or a dismissive attitude towards the threats against Jesus. Historically, the Jewish leaders were indeed plotting to kill Jesus, as seen earlier in John 7. However, the crowd's question could suggest that not everyone was aware of these plots, or they might have thought Jesus was being paranoid or exaggerating. This reflects the broader theme of misunderstanding and disbelief that permeates the Gospel of John. The question also underscores the irony of the situation: the very people who should have recognized and embraced the Messiah were instead questioning and rejecting Him. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual blindness that can afflict humanity, preventing people from seeing the truth even when it is right before them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of John, who is teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles.

2. The Crowd
A diverse group of people present at the temple, including Jews from various regions, some of whom are skeptical or hostile towards Jesus.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles
A significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' wilderness journey, during which Jesus is teaching.

4. Religious Leaders
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the ones plotting against Jesus, which is a backdrop to the crowd's response.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, a central location for Jewish worship and festivals.
Teaching Points
Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission
The crowd's accusation reflects a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and identity. We must seek to understand Jesus through the lens of Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Spiritual Blindness
The crowd's response illustrates spiritual blindness. We should pray for discernment and clarity to recognize God's work in our lives and the world.

Hostility Towards Truth
Jesus faced hostility for speaking the truth. As followers of Christ, we should be prepared to face opposition when standing for biblical truths.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the context of Jesus' teachings and the cultural background of the time can help us better interpret Scripture and apply it to our lives.

Responding to Accusations
Jesus' calm and composed response to false accusations serves as a model for us. We should respond to criticism with grace and truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the crowd's accusation in John 7:20 reflect their understanding of Jesus' identity and mission?

2. In what ways can spiritual blindness affect our perception of Jesus and His teachings today?

3. How can we prepare ourselves to face hostility or misunderstanding when we stand for biblical truths?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are interpreting Scripture within its proper context?

5. How can Jesus' response to false accusations guide us in dealing with criticism or misunderstanding in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 8:48-52
The accusation of having a demon is repeated, showing a pattern of misunderstanding and hostility towards Jesus.

Mark 3:22
Scribes accuse Jesus of being possessed by Beelzebul, reflecting a similar misunderstanding of His divine authority.

John 5:18
Earlier in John, the Jewish leaders sought to kill Jesus because He claimed equality with God, providing context for the crowd's question.

Acts 2:22-23
Peter's sermon at Pentecost highlights the ignorance of the people in crucifying Jesus, paralleling the crowd's misunderstanding in John 7:20.
AppearancesJohn 7:19-30
Christ Grieved by Misconceptions About HimselfG. Calthrop, M. A.John 7:19-30
Deceptive AppearancesW. Baxendale.John 7:19-30
Deceptive AppearancesC. H. Spurgeon.John 7:19-30
Doing Good a Blessed WorkJohn 7:19-30
Every Day is a Fit Day for Doing GoodCowdray., Cowdray.John 7:19-30
Every Whit WholeBp. Wordsworth., D. Thomas, D. D.John 7:19-30
Hiding Behind OthersCharles S. Robinson, D. D.John 7:19-30
How to Treat SlanderJ. Trapp.John 7:19-30
Howbeit We Know This Man Whence He IsW. H. Van Doren, D. D.John 7:19-30
Jewish Theories About Christ's Origin and ComingDean Payne Smith.John 7:19-30
Judge not According to the AppearanceA. Macleod, D. D.John 7:19-30
Judge not by AppearancesJohn 7:19-30
Judging by Outward AppearancesJ. N. Norton, D. D.John 7:19-30
Knowledge of Christ Must be More than CriticalC. H. Spurgeon.John 7:19-30
Murder in DesireD. Thomas, D. D.John 7:19-30
Sometimes Hard to JudgeJohn 7:19-30
The Assailants AssailedT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 7:19-30
The Folly of Judging by AppearancesJ. N. Norton, D. D.John 7:19-30
The Hour of DestinyP. L. Davies, A. M.John 7:19-30
The Law Does not Save MenPilgrim's ProgressJohn 7:19-30
The Origin of JesusT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 7:19-30
Then Said Some of Them of JerusalemBishop Ryle.John 7:19-30
We Must not Judge by AppearancesC. H. Spurgeon.John 7:19-30
People
David, Jerusalemites, Jesus, Nicodemus
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Crowd, Death, Demon, Desire, Devil, Evil, Hast, Kill, Multitude, Possessed, Replied, Seek, Seeketh, Seeking, Seeks, Spirit, Trying, Wants
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 7:20

     3245   Holy Spirit, blasphemy against
     4133   demons, possession by
     5279   crowds
     5879   humiliation

John 7:13-20

     2426   gospel, responses

John 7:19-20

     2545   Christ, opposition to

Library
September 13 Morning
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.--JOHN 7:37. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.--O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat;
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 9 Morning
Never man spake like this man.--JOHN 7:46. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.--The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.--His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend. All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.--He taught them as one having
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 30 Evening
Nicodemus . . . he that came to Jesus by night.--JOHN 7:50. Peter followed him afar off.--Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.--The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

One Saying with Two Meanings
'Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto Him that sent Me. 34. Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.'--JOHN vii. 33, 34. 'Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.'--JOHN xiii. 33. No greater contrast can be conceived than that between these two groups to whom such singularly similar words were addressed. The
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Rock and the Water
'In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.'--JOHN vii. 37,38. The occasion and date of this great saying are carefully given by the Evangelist, because they throw much light on its significance and importance. It was 'on the last day, that great day of the Feast,' that 'Jesus stood and cried.' The Feast
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet: because Jesus was not yet glorified.'--John vii. 39. 'The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.'--John xiv. 26. 'God chose you to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 13. (See 1 Pet. i. 2.) It has sometimes been said, that while the Holiness of God stands out more prominently
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Transfiguration: an Emergency Measure. Matthew 16:28-17:1-8. Mark 9:1-8. Luke 9:27-36.
God in Sore Straits: the darkest hour save one, fugitive, John 7:1. ban, John 9:22, 34. pushing, Matthew 15:1. Mark 7:1.--the danger zone, "withdrew," Matthew 4:12. 12:15. 14:13. 15:21. Tabernacles, John 7:32. 8:59.--Galileans desert, John 6:60-66.--the inner circle infected, John 6:67-71.--God needs men. Fire and anvil for Leaders: mental strength--seasoned leadership--Simon and Peter. An Irresistible Plan: alone with the twelve--the changed plan, Matthew 16:18-21.--Peter's stupid boldness,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said that He was not Going up unto the Feast, and Notwithstanding Went
1. I Purpose by the Lord's assistance to treat of this section [3961] of the Gospel which has just been read; nor is there a little difficulty here, lest the truth be endangered, and falsehood glory. Not that either the truth can perish, nor falsehood triumph. Now hearken for a while what difficulty this lesson has; and being made attentive by the propounding of the difficulty, pray that I may be sufficient for its solution. "The Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand;" [3962] these it seems are
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 10 "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then thou shalt see clearly to
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

"Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory"
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Author's Preface.
I did not write this little work with the thought of its being given to the public. It was prepared for the help of a few Christians who were desirous of loving God with the whole heart. But so many have requested copies of it, because of the benefit they have derived from its perusal, that I have been asked to publish it. I have left it in its natural simplicity. I do not condemn the opinions of any: on the contrary, I esteem those which are held by others, and submit all that I have written to
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Want of Universality in the Knowledge and Reception of Christianity, and of Greater Clearness in the Evidence.
Or, a Revelation which really came from God, the proof, it has been said, would in all ages be so public and manifest, that no part of the human species would remain ignorant of it, no understanding could fail of being convinced by it. The advocates of Christianity do not pretend that the evidence of their religion possesses these qualities. They do not deny that we can conceive it to be within the compass of divine power to have communicated to the World a higher degree of assurance, and to have
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries of Christianity...
Our historical Scriptures were attacked by the early adversaries of Christianity, as containing the accounts upon which the Religion was founded. Near the middle of the second century, Celsus, a heathen philosopher, wrote a professed treatise against Christianity. To this treatise Origen, who came about fifty years after him, published an answer, in which he frequently recites his adversary's words and arguments. The work of Celsus is lost; but that of Origen remains. Origen appears to have given
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Rejection of Christianity.
We acknowledge that the Christian religion, although it converted great numbers, did not produce an universal, or even a general conviction in the minds of men of the age and countries in which it appeared. And this want of a more complete and extensive success is called the rejection of the Christian history and miracles; and has been thought by some to form a strong objection to the reality of the facts which the history contains. The matter of the objection divides itself into two parts; as it
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Brothers Advise Him to Go to Jerusalem.
(Galilee, Probably Capernaum.) ^D John VII. 2-9. ^d 2 Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand. [The first verse of this chapter tells us that Jesus kept away from Judæa because the Jews sought for his life. See page 393. This keeping away or seclusion began at the Passover season, and led Jesus not only to keep away from Judæa, but even to hover upon the outskirts of Galilee itself. This seclusion is described in Sections LXV.-LXXI. We now turn back to take up
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Story of the Adulteress.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John VII. 53-VIII. 11. [This section is wanting in nearly all older manuscripts, but Jerome (a.d. 346-420) says that in his time it was contained in "many Greek and Latin manuscripts," and these must have been as good or better than the best manuscripts we now possess. But whether we regard it as part of John's narrative or not, scholars very generally accept it as a genuine piece of history.] ^d 53 And they went every man unto his own house [confused by the question of Nicodemus,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How to Know the Will of God
"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."--JOHN vii. 17. THERE is an experience which becomes more and more familiar to every one who is trying to follow Christ--a feeling of the growing loneliness of his Christian life. It comes from a sense of the peculiarly personal interest which Christ takes in him, which sometimes seems so strong as almost to make him feel that his life is being detached from all the other lives around him, that it is being drawn out
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last Part of the Gospel-Narratives - First Incidents by the Way.
THE part in the Evangelic History which we have now reached has this peculiarity and difficulty, that the events are now recorded by only one of the Evangelists. The section in St. Luke's Gospel from chapter ix. 51 to chapter xviii. 14 stands absolutely alone. From the circumstance that St. Luke omits throughout his narrative all notation of time or place, the difficulty of arranging here the chronological succession of events is so great, that we can only suggest what seems most probable, without
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
IT was Chol ha Moed - as the non-sacred part of the festive week, the half-holy days were called. [3949] Jerusalem, the City of Solemnities, the City of Palaces, the City of beauty and glory, wore quite another than its usual aspect; other, even, than when its streets were thronged by festive pilgrims during the Passover-week, or at Pentecost. For this was pre-eminently the Feast for foreign pilgrims, coming from the farthest distance, whose Temple-contributions were then received and counted. [3950]
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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