John 7:14-16 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. (15) And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? (16) Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
So often, Jesus makes such simple, basic statements, that when contemplated, have real profound meanings. Such is our study today.
First, let’s set the stage. As one drives down the road these days, it is quite common to see messages on the backs of tractor-trailers that say: “Attend the church of your choice.” The message implies that of all of the varieties of religious groups in the world, you can select the one that best fits your wishes and desires. That leads us to the next obvious question: Why is there so many choices? Did God leave a pattern to structure His church with thousands of options and varieties. If you listen to Jesus he did not indicate so....
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
So how then, are there so many varieties and versions of the ONE religion that Jesus established? Because, for every individual denomination, they have their own doctrine. The doctrine that they teach is what individualizes them from all the rest.
But wait! Let’s look at what Jesus said in our text today. Jesus was teaching in the temple and the Jews were amazed that he taught so well having no formal education. Here is Jesus simple and basic answer. His doctrine (that which he taught) was not his own, but rather he taught what God told him to. So if Jesus was not able to teach any thing he wanted...What do we think we can?
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