Commentary on John 7:15
Verse: John 7:15
"And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?"
Introduction
In John 7:15, we find ourselves in the midst of the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant event in the Jewish calendar. This particular verse highlights the astonishment of the Jewish leaders at the wisdom and knowledge displayed by Jesus, who had received no formal education in their esteemed institutions. This commentary will delve into various insights drawn from public domain commentaries, examining the implications of this verse for understanding Christ’s authority and the nature of true wisdom.
The Awe of the Jewish Leaders
The response of the Jews in this verse is one of amazement. Matthew Henry notes that they were both surprised and challenged by Jesus' extraordinary understanding of the Scriptures. There is an implication that their traditional methods of teaching and learning could not account for the depth of knowledge and insight that Jesus displays. This serves to underscore a critical point about reliance on human systems of education versus divine enlightenment.
Albert Barnes emphasizes that this astonishment demonstrates the disparity between worldly knowledge and divine wisdom. The "letters" referred to imply formal education and scholarly pursuits, which Jesus did not possess. Barnes suggests that this challenges the entrenched educational systems of the time, as Jesus, the son of a carpenter, surpasses them through His divine nature rather than through human means.
The Nature of True Wisdom
Adam Clarke provides a deeper exploration into the concept of wisdom. He posits that true wisdom comes not from human learning, but from divine revelation. This concept is reiterated throughout Scripture, where the fear of the Lord is deemed the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Jesus' knowledge and understanding exemplify the ultimate wisdom that can only be granted by God. The Jewish leaders’ inability to recognize this serves as a testament to their spiritual blindness.
Jesus’ Teaching Authority
This verse is pivotal in understanding the authority with which Jesus teaches. The surprised reaction of the Jews indicates a conflict between their expectations of authority and the authority Jesus exuded, which came not from traditional qualifications but from His unique relationship with God. Matthew Henry highlights that Jesus’ teachings could not be dismissed merely because He lacked formal schooling, as His teachings carried divine weight and authority.
Barnes adds that this moment foreshadows the eventual rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders, as their astonishment quickly turns to hostility. The recognition of His wisdom threatens their established norms, which often cling to human traditions rather than divine truth.
The Implications for Ministry
For pastors and theologians, this passage serves as a potent reminder of the nature of God’s work through individuals. Just as Jesus taught with authority despite lacking conventional credentials, many can find joy in knowing that God equips the called, not necessarily calling the equipped. This passage encourages the church to recognize that divine calling and anointing can manifest through ordinary individuals who may not fit the traditional mold of leadership.
Conclusion
John 7:15 invites reflection on the profound nature of Jesus' teachings and the authority from which they flowed. The astonishment of the Jewish leaders symbolizes a broader existential question concerning authority and wisdom within the church today. In an age of increasing reliance on human wisdom and scholarly attainments, this verse challenges all believers to seek divine wisdom and understanding directly from God. As Henry, Barnes, and Clarke have illuminated, true knowledge, authority, and wisdom ultimately emanate from a relationship with the Father—an essential truth for pastors, students, theologians, and all followers of Christ.
