After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.
His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.
When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
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.
Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
So there was a division among the people because of him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
And every man went unto his own house.
John 7 marks a pivotal point in Jesus' ministry, transitioning from the height of His popularity after feeding the five thousand (John 6) to increasing opposition and conflict. This chapter, along with John 8, highlights Jesus' bold challenge to the spiritual leaders and His declaration of His identity and mission, ultimately accelerating the plot against His life. Understanding the context and nuances of John 7 is crucial for grasping the escalating tensions and the deeper theological truths presented.
The Setting: Feast of Tabernacles and Jerusalem
The events of John 7 unfold approximately six months after those of John 6, near the time of Jesus' crucifixion. The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths or Shelters), one of the most significant Jewish festivals. This feast was a time of great religious and cultural activity, drawing large crowds of locals, pilgrims from afar, and various other visitors to Jerusalem.
It's important to understand John's use of terminology. Throughout the Gospel of John, "the Jews" often refers to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, particularly the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, and those who supported them. "The people" refers to the general crowd attending the festival, a diverse group with varying opinions about Jesus. The "Jewish people living in and around Jerusalem" would generally have sided with the opinion of the local religious leaders.
Jesus' Brothers' Unbelief and Jesus' Delay (John 7:1-9)
The chapter opens with Jesus remaining in Galilee because "the Jews" in Judea sought to kill Him (John 7:1). It was the time of the Feast of Shelters (John 7:2), and Jesus' brothers urged Him to go to Jerusalem to display His miraculous works publicly. They believed that if He was performing such miracles, He should do them on a grand stage, seeking fame and recognition (John 7:3-4).
However, John reveals a startling truth: "For even his own brothers did not believe in him" (John 7:5). They were excited by the miraculous signs but didn't grasp Jesus' true identity, perhaps even considering Him to be acting strangely (Mark 3:21). They wanted Jesus to put on a public show and make headlines, but they didn't believe He was the Messiah.
This serves as a powerful reminder that outward displays of power and wonder are not enough to produce genuine faith. Many are drawn to what Jesus can do for them, but are unwilling to believe in Him for eternal life and follow Him as disciples.
Jesus, however, was guided by God's perfect timing, not by the expectations of others. He told His brothers that His time had not yet come (John 7:6). It wasn't yet the moment for His public presentation as the Messiah, knowing that His death would soon follow such an open declaration. He told them to go to the festival without Him (John 7:8), but later He went secretly (John 7:10), demonstrating His sensitivity to God's timetable.
Murmurs and Debates Among the People (John 7:10-13)
While Jesus initially remained discreet, His presence at the festival did not go unnoticed. The people were looking for Him and murmuring about Him (John 7:11-12). Some considered Him a good man, while others believed He deceived the people. However, nobody spoke openly about Him for fear of the Jewish leaders (John 7:13), who hated Jesus and had the power to banish people from the synagogue for supporting Him.
This atmosphere of fear and uncertainty highlights the tension surrounding Jesus. The people were curious and intrigued, but also afraid of the potential consequences of aligning themselves with Him.
Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John 7:14-24)
Midway through the festival, Jesus began teaching openly in the temple (John 7:14). The people were astonished at His knowledge, especially since He had not been formally trained by the religious leaders (John 7:15).
Jesus responded by clarifying the source of His teaching: "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me" (John 7:16). He emphasized that His words and actions were a direct reflection of the Father's will. He also revealed the key to true spiritual insight: "If anyone wills to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority" (John 7:17). A willingness to obey God must precede understanding. Clarity comes through commitment. God does not waste His truth on those who are unwilling to obey.
Jesus then challenged His critics for their hypocrisy regarding the Sabbath. He reminded them that they circumcised on the Sabbath to keep the law of Moses (John 7:22), and He argued that if circumcising one part of the body on the Sabbath was permissible, then healing an entire person on the Sabbath should not be considered a violation of the law (John 7:23). He urged them to "judge with right judgment" (John 7:24), not based on outward appearances but according to God's standards.
Speculation and Division (John 7:25-36)
Jesus' open criticism and reputation for miracles created a crisis of confidence in the religious leaders. The people debated whether the leaders were too weak to stop a blasphemer, too confused to act, or secretly accepted His claims. This fueled the religious leaders' desire to silence Jesus permanently.
More speculation arose concerning Jesus' identity. Some wondered why the authorities weren't trying to stop Him, and whether they had concluded that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:26). Others assumed He couldn't be the Messiah since they thought they knew where Jesus came from (John 7:27). They were unaware of His miraculous birth in Bethlehem.
Jesus responded that He had come on behalf of the One who sent Him, from God (John 7:28-29). While they saw Him as merely a preacher from Nazareth, He was the Son of God from heaven.
This declaration intensified the opposition. The authorities tried to seize Him, but "no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come" (John 7:30). Even when an angry mob wanted to seize Jesus, they were unable to because it wasn't in God's sovereign schedule.
Jesus then spoke of His impending departure: "I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. You cannot come where I am going" (John 7:33-34). He was referring to His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:9), but the Jews misinterpreted His words, wondering where He planned to go (John 7:35-36). Approaching God's Word at a purely physical level will inevitably result in confusion. We need to tune our antennae to God's heavenly broadcast.
The Promise of Living Water (John 7:37-39)
On the last and greatest day of the festival (John 7:37), during the water-pouring ritual, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38).
Jesus presented Himself as the source of "living water," echoing His earlier conversation with the woman at the well (John 4:10). He is the only oasis for those in a spiritual desert. He won't merely quench your thirst, He'll provide internal streams of living water.
John clarifies that this "living water" refers to the Holy Spirit, who would be given to those who believed in Him after Jesus was glorified—crucified and resurrected (John 7:39). The Holy Spirit, the person of the Godhead, comes to dwell within believers to give them eternal life.
Division and Unbelief Continue (John 7:40-53)
The crowd was further divided over Jesus (John 7:43). Some thought He was the Prophet who was to come (John 7:40; Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Others argued that the Messiah wouldn't come from Galilee, but from Bethlehem, the city of David (John 7:41-42).
They were unaware that Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:1-7), but grew up and ministered in Galilee, which was also foretold in Scripture (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 2:19-23; 4:14-15).
The Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus, but they returned empty-handed, explaining, "No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46). They were so mesmerized by Jesus's sermon that they couldn't bring themselves to obey the wicked men who sent them.
The Pharisees rebuked the officers, asking, "Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?" (John 7:48). They dismissed the crowd as ignorant and accursed.
However, Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had previously visited Jesus by night (John 3:1-13), spoke up in Jesus' defense, reminding them that their law did not condemn a man without a hearing (John 7:51).
The Pharisees scornfully replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee" (John 7:52). They were wrong about Jesus' birthplace and also incorrect in their assertion that no prophet comes from Galilee. The prophet Jonah was from Gath-hepher, which was located in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25).
John 7:53—8:11, the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, is widely considered not to be part of the original text of John's Gospel, though most scholars believe it is an authentic account of a real event that occurred at some point in Jesus' ministry.
John 7 reveals the growing opposition to Jesus, the division among the people, and the unwavering commitment of Jesus to fulfill His Father's will. It highlights the importance of seeking spiritual understanding with a heart of obedience and recognizing Jesus as the source of living water, the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers for eternal life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that outward displays of power and wonder are not enough to produce genuine faith.
After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand.
His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.
When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
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.
Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day?
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?
Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.
Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
So there was a division among the people because of him.
And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
And every man went unto his own house.
John 7 marks a pivotal point in Jesus' ministry, transitioning from the height of His popularity after feeding the five thousand (John 6) to increasing opposition and conflict. This chapter, along with John 8, highlights Jesus' bold challenge to the spiritual leaders and His declaration of His identity and mission, ultimately accelerating the plot against His life. Understanding the context and nuances of John 7 is crucial for grasping the escalating tensions and the deeper theological truths presented.
The Setting: Feast of Tabernacles and Jerusalem
The events of John 7 unfold approximately six months after those of John 6, near the time of Jesus' crucifixion. The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths or Shelters), one of the most significant Jewish festivals. This feast was a time of great religious and cultural activity, drawing large crowds of locals, pilgrims from afar, and various other visitors to Jerusalem.
It's important to understand John's use of terminology. Throughout the Gospel of John, "the Jews" often refers to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, particularly the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes, and those who supported them. "The people" refers to the general crowd attending the festival, a diverse group with varying opinions about Jesus. The "Jewish people living in and around Jerusalem" would generally have sided with the opinion of the local religious leaders.
Jesus' Brothers' Unbelief and Jesus' Delay (John 7:1-9)
The chapter opens with Jesus remaining in Galilee because "the Jews" in Judea sought to kill Him (John 7:1). It was the time of the Feast of Shelters (John 7:2), and Jesus' brothers urged Him to go to Jerusalem to display His miraculous works publicly. They believed that if He was performing such miracles, He should do them on a grand stage, seeking fame and recognition (John 7:3-4).
However, John reveals a startling truth: "For even his own brothers did not believe in him" (John 7:5). They were excited by the miraculous signs but didn't grasp Jesus' true identity, perhaps even considering Him to be acting strangely (Mark 3:21). They wanted Jesus to put on a public show and make headlines, but they didn't believe He was the Messiah.
This serves as a powerful reminder that outward displays of power and wonder are not enough to produce genuine faith. Many are drawn to what Jesus can do for them, but are unwilling to believe in Him for eternal life and follow Him as disciples.
Jesus, however, was guided by God's perfect timing, not by the expectations of others. He told His brothers that His time had not yet come (John 7:6). It wasn't yet the moment for His public presentation as the Messiah, knowing that His death would soon follow such an open declaration. He told them to go to the festival without Him (John 7:8), but later He went secretly (John 7:10), demonstrating His sensitivity to God's timetable.
Murmurs and Debates Among the People (John 7:10-13)
While Jesus initially remained discreet, His presence at the festival did not go unnoticed. The people were looking for Him and murmuring about Him (John 7:11-12). Some considered Him a good man, while others believed He deceived the people. However, nobody spoke openly about Him for fear of the Jewish leaders (John 7:13), who hated Jesus and had the power to banish people from the synagogue for supporting Him.
This atmosphere of fear and uncertainty highlights the tension surrounding Jesus. The people were curious and intrigued, but also afraid of the potential consequences of aligning themselves with Him.
Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John 7:14-24)
Midway through the festival, Jesus began teaching openly in the temple (John 7:14). The people were astonished at His knowledge, especially since He had not been formally trained by the religious leaders (John 7:15).
Jesus responded by clarifying the source of His teaching: "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me" (John 7:16). He emphasized that His words and actions were a direct reflection of the Father's will. He also revealed the key to true spiritual insight: "If anyone wills to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority" (John 7:17). A willingness to obey God must precede understanding. Clarity comes through commitment. God does not waste His truth on those who are unwilling to obey.
Jesus then challenged His critics for their hypocrisy regarding the Sabbath. He reminded them that they circumcised on the Sabbath to keep the law of Moses (John 7:22), and He argued that if circumcising one part of the body on the Sabbath was permissible, then healing an entire person on the Sabbath should not be considered a violation of the law (John 7:23). He urged them to "judge with right judgment" (John 7:24), not based on outward appearances but according to God's standards.
Speculation and Division (John 7:25-36)
Jesus' open criticism and reputation for miracles created a crisis of confidence in the religious leaders. The people debated whether the leaders were too weak to stop a blasphemer, too confused to act, or secretly accepted His claims. This fueled the religious leaders' desire to silence Jesus permanently.
More speculation arose concerning Jesus' identity. Some wondered why the authorities weren't trying to stop Him, and whether they had concluded that Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:26). Others assumed He couldn't be the Messiah since they thought they knew where Jesus came from (John 7:27). They were unaware of His miraculous birth in Bethlehem.
Jesus responded that He had come on behalf of the One who sent Him, from God (John 7:28-29). While they saw Him as merely a preacher from Nazareth, He was the Son of God from heaven.
This declaration intensified the opposition. The authorities tried to seize Him, but "no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come" (John 7:30). Even when an angry mob wanted to seize Jesus, they were unable to because it wasn't in God's sovereign schedule.
Jesus then spoke of His impending departure: "I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. You cannot come where I am going" (John 7:33-34). He was referring to His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:9), but the Jews misinterpreted His words, wondering where He planned to go (John 7:35-36). Approaching God's Word at a purely physical level will inevitably result in confusion. We need to tune our antennae to God's heavenly broadcast.
The Promise of Living Water (John 7:37-39)
On the last and greatest day of the festival (John 7:37), during the water-pouring ritual, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38).
Jesus presented Himself as the source of "living water," echoing His earlier conversation with the woman at the well (John 4:10). He is the only oasis for those in a spiritual desert. He won't merely quench your thirst, He'll provide internal streams of living water.
John clarifies that this "living water" refers to the Holy Spirit, who would be given to those who believed in Him after Jesus was glorified—crucified and resurrected (John 7:39). The Holy Spirit, the person of the Godhead, comes to dwell within believers to give them eternal life.
Division and Unbelief Continue (John 7:40-53)
The crowd was further divided over Jesus (John 7:43). Some thought He was the Prophet who was to come (John 7:40; Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Others argued that the Messiah wouldn't come from Galilee, but from Bethlehem, the city of David (John 7:41-42).
They were unaware that Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:1-7), but grew up and ministered in Galilee, which was also foretold in Scripture (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 2:19-23; 4:14-15).
The Pharisees sent officers to arrest Jesus, but they returned empty-handed, explaining, "No one ever spoke like this man!" (John 7:46). They were so mesmerized by Jesus's sermon that they couldn't bring themselves to obey the wicked men who sent them.
The Pharisees rebuked the officers, asking, "Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?" (John 7:48). They dismissed the crowd as ignorant and accursed.
However, Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had previously visited Jesus by night (John 3:1-13), spoke up in Jesus' defense, reminding them that their law did not condemn a man without a hearing (John 7:51).
The Pharisees scornfully replied, "Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee" (John 7:52). They were wrong about Jesus' birthplace and also incorrect in their assertion that no prophet comes from Galilee. The prophet Jonah was from Gath-hepher, which was located in Galilee (2 Kings 14:25).
John 7:53—8:11, the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery, is widely considered not to be part of the original text of John's Gospel, though most scholars believe it is an authentic account of a real event that occurred at some point in Jesus' ministry.
John 7 reveals the growing opposition to Jesus, the division among the people, and the unwavering commitment of Jesus to fulfill His Father's will. It highlights the importance of seeking spiritual understanding with a heart of obedience and recognizing Jesus as the source of living water, the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers for eternal life. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that outward displays of power and wonder are not enough to produce genuine faith.