John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
John 7:18 (KJV)
Context
Jesus spoke these words at the Feast of Tabernacles, responding to the Jews’ amazement at His teaching despite His lack of formal rabbinic training (John 7:15). He had just declared that His doctrine was not His own but came from the One who sent Him (John 7:16), and that those willing to do God’s will would recognize whether His teaching was from God (John 7:17). Verse 18 then gives a clear test for discerning true and false teachers.
Meaning
To “speak of himself” does not mean talking about oneself, but speaking by one’s own authority, without being sent by God. Such a person seeks his own glory—his own praise, reputation, and applause from men. This was true of the Scribes and Pharisees, who taught human commandments and traditions, and of false teachers who aimed only at their own honor.
In contrast, the one who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is “true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” The Greek text uses a singular “the one who” in the second clause, indicating Jesus is speaking especially about Himself. Jesus, who sought the Father’s glory, is described as true and without unrighteousness or falsehood. His words and actions are trustworthy because they align with God’s will.
Biblical connections
This verse connects to Jesus’ later statement in John 8:50, where He again disclaims seeking His own glory and entrusts judgment to the Father. The principle that a person’s motive is revealed by whether they seek their own honor or the honor of God echoes throughout Scripture.
Application
The test of a true teacher is not eloquence or learning, but the aim of the heart: is the speaker seeking to glorify God or himself? This challenges us to examine our own motives when we speak about spiritual matters. Do we seek personal recognition, or do we humbly point others to God? Seeking God’s glory requires humility and submission to His will, rather than seeking personal acclaim.
By seeking to glorify God and not ourselves, we align ourselves with truth and righteousness. Jesus states that someone who seeks to bring glory to God is not characterized by unrighteousness or deceit. This implies that their words and actions are trustworthy and in accordance with God’s will.
Reflection
John 7:18 emphasizes the importance of motives and intentions when speaking on behalf of God. It teaches us that seeking personal glory or recognition is not aligned with God’s purposes. Instead, we should strive to honor and glorify God by aligning ourselves with His will and seeking His glory. By doing so, we demonstrate truthfulness, righteousness, and faithfulness in our words and actions.
