John 7:17 – “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.”
Extended Explanation
In John 7:17, Jesus gives a powerful statement about how people can recognize the truth. He tells the crowd that if someone truly wants to follow God’s will, they will come to understand that His teaching is from God and not just His own ideas.
This verse makes an important point: obedience to God leads to understanding. Many people demand proof before they believe, but Jesus turns that thinking around. He says that those who are willing to obey God will gain insight into spiritual truth. In other words, faith and obedience come first, and then deeper understanding follows.
Jesus is speaking directly to those who doubted Him. Some people in the crowd were questioning whether His teachings were legitimate. Others were hostile to Him, unwilling to listen with open hearts. Jesus explains that the way to recognize truth is not through argument or debate but through a sincere willingness to follow God.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. This was one of the most important Jewish festivals, bringing large crowds to the temple. Many religious leaders were already opposing Jesus and looking for ways to discredit Him (John 7:1, John 7:12-13).
Jewish teachers often debated about the law and religious traditions. Many relied on human reasoning and intellectual arguments to decide what was true. But Jesus offered a different way: those who truly desired to follow God would recognize that His teaching came from the Father.
This statement was also a challenge to the religious leaders. They claimed to be devoted to God, but their rejection of Jesus revealed that their hearts were not truly seeking His will. If they had been sincere in their devotion to God, they would have recognized that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Theological Implications
John 7:17 teaches a crucial spiritual principle: obedience leads to understanding. Many people think they need to fully understand before they can believe, but Jesus says the opposite is true. Faith and obedience open the door to deeper knowledge of God’s truth.
This verse also reinforces the idea that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with sincere hearts. People who genuinely want to know and follow God will recognize that Jesus’ words are divine truth. On the other hand, those who resist God’s will remain spiritually blind, no matter how much knowledge they have.
This is why some of the most educated religious leaders of Jesus’ time rejected Him, while simple fishermen, tax collectors, and sinners believed in Him. The difference was not intelligence but the willingness to obey God.
Literary Analysis
John’s Gospel is full of contrasts between belief and unbelief, obedience and rejection, truth and deception.
- “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God” – Jesus makes it clear that following God is a choice. It requires a decision to submit to Him rather than follow personal desires.
- “Will find out whether my teaching comes from God” – The way to know the truth is through obedience, not just intellectual study.
- “Or whether I speak on my own” – Jesus again points to the fact that His words are not human wisdom but divine revelation.
This verse ties into John’s larger theme that Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1) and that He perfectly reveals the Father (John 14:9-10). Those who reject Him do so because they do not truly desire to follow God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” God reveals truth to those who humbly seek Him.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Obedience to God brings clarity.
- John 8:31-32 – “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True discipleship leads to understanding.
- John 14:21 – “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” Love for God is shown through obedience.
- James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Obedience is key to true faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges us to consider our own hearts. Do we truly seek God’s will, or are we only interested in truth if it fits our preferences? Many people want evidence for God but are unwilling to obey Him. Jesus makes it clear that those who sincerely seek Him will find the truth.
This is especially relevant in a world that values skepticism and intellectual pride. Many people reject Jesus because they do not want to submit to God’s authority. But those who humbly choose to follow God will see the truth of Jesus’ words.
This verse is also an encouragement. If we are struggling with doubt, the best way to grow in faith is to actively obey what we already know to be true. As we live according to God’s will, He will give us deeper understanding.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He makes truth available to those who seek Him. He does not hide Himself from sincere seekers. Instead, He promises that those who desire to follow Him will recognize His truth.
God does not require perfect knowledge before we can follow Him. Instead, He calls us to trust and obey, and as we do, He reveals more of Himself to us. This is an act of love—He invites people into a relationship with Him rather than leaving them lost in confusion.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the full revelation of God. Everything He taught and did was in perfect alignment with the Father’s will (John 5:19). This verse reinforces that Jesus is not just another teacher or religious leader—He is the very Word of God made flesh.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly called people to follow Him in faith and obedience. He did not just offer intellectual arguments—He invited people to trust and experience the truth by following Him.
Ultimately, Jesus demonstrated this principle in His own life. He perfectly obeyed the Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His obedience led to the greatest revelation of God’s love and truth—the salvation of sinners.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus says that obedience leads to understanding?
- Have you ever experienced greater clarity about God’s truth after taking a step of faith?
- What are some areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God’s will?
- How does this verse challenge the way people often seek proof before believing?
- How can you grow in obedience to God in your daily life?
John 7:17 is a powerful reminder that faith and obedience go hand in hand. If we truly desire to know God’s truth, we must be willing to follow His will. When we do, He promises to open our eyes and deepen our understanding.