APRIL 16 - JESUS & THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS
READ John 7
Jesus becomes involved in controversy with religious leaders over His true identity.
INSIGHT
When iron and aluminum shavings are mixed together, they are indistinguishable. You cannot identify them by sight; you must sweep a magnet through them. The magnet will attract all of the iron filings, but the aluminum filings will remain undisturbed. The Lord Jesus Christ has exactly the same effect on those to whom He ministers. Those whose understanding is anchored in faith are drawn to Him like iron to a magnet. Those who choose not to believe remain undisturbed, as though nothing special has happened. Some of the multitude were saying, “This is the Christ” while others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He?” Understanding, combined with faith, understands even more. Unbelief blinds people.
PRAYER
Let us praise Him, for surely, this is the Christ:
Your throne, God, is forever and ever;
the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God,
has anointed you with the oil of joy
more than your companions (Psalm 45:6-7).
God, within your temple,
we contemplate your faithful love.
Like your name, God, so your praise
reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with justice
(Psalm 48:9-10).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
How joyful is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!
How joyful is a person
whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity
and in whose spirit is no deceit!
(Psalm 32:1-2).
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path
(Psalm 119:105).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Offer this closing prayer:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13).
Jesus becomes involved in controversy with religious leaders over His true identity.
INSIGHT
When iron and aluminum shavings are mixed together, they are indistinguishable. You cannot identify them by sight; you must sweep a magnet through them. The magnet will attract all of the iron filings, but the aluminum filings will remain undisturbed. The Lord Jesus Christ has exactly the same effect on those to whom He ministers. Those whose understanding is anchored in faith are drawn to Him like iron to a magnet. Those who choose not to believe remain undisturbed, as though nothing special has happened. Some of the multitude were saying, “This is the Christ” while others were saying, “Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He?” Understanding, combined with faith, understands even more. Unbelief blinds people.
PRAYER
Let us praise Him, for surely, this is the Christ:
Your throne, God, is forever and ever;
the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God,
has anointed you with the oil of joy
more than your companions (Psalm 45:6-7).
God, within your temple,
we contemplate your faithful love.
Like your name, God, so your praise
reaches to the ends of the earth;
your right hand is filled with justice
(Psalm 48:9-10).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
How joyful is the one
whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered!
How joyful is a person
whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity
and in whose spirit is no deceit!
(Psalm 32:1-2).
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Your word is a lamp for my feet
and a light on my path
(Psalm 119:105).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
- Greater love for your family
- The work of missions in South America
- Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:13).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2026.