John 7:16

“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.”

Context:This verse is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Jews during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus had gone to Jerusalem and was teaching in the temple. The people were amazed at His teaching and wondered how He had acquired such knowledge since He had not been formally trained as a rabbi. They were also divided in their opinions about Him, with some believing He was the Christ while others doubted.

Understanding the Verse:

• Jesus’ Source of Doctrine:

Jesus consistently emphasized that He did not speak or teach on His own authority but spoke what the Father had commanded Him to say (John 12:49-50; John 14:10). This reveals the unity and harmony between Jesus and the Father, as well as the divine authority behind His teaching.

The Divine Authority:By stating that His doctrine came from the one who sent Him, Jesus affirmed that His teachings were not merely human wisdom or personal opinions but were rooted in the divine authority of God. This claim highlighted Jesus’ unique role as the Son of God and the source of eternal truth.

Submission and Obedience:Jesus’ statement in John 7:16 also reflects His submission and obedience to God the Father. As the Son, He willingly submitted Himself to the Father’s will and spoke only what the Father instructed Him to speak. This submission was a central aspect of Jesus’ mission on earth, as seen in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion (Luke 22:42).

Application:

• John 7:16 challenges us to consider the source of our own beliefs and teachings. Jesus set an example of complete reliance on and submission to God the Father. As His followers, we are called to align our beliefs and teachings with God’s Word and seek His guidance through prayer and study of the Scriptures.

Additionally, this verse encourages us to approach the teachings of Jesus with reverence and openness. Jesus’ doctrine was not a product of human invention but was divinely inspired and rooted in the will of God. Therefore, we should approach His teachings with a humble heart, seeking to understand and apply them in our lives.

In conclusion, John 7:16 reveals Jesus’ submission to the Father and the divine authority behind His teachings. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our beliefs and teachings with God’s Word and approaching Jesus’ teachings with reverence and humility.