In this lesson we will look at the inescapable verdict that every person makes regarding Jesus of Nazareth.

We have spent weeks walking through the tension of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

We've seen the crowds murmur, the leaders plot murder, and Jesus challenge everyone to move past superficial opinions and practice righteous judgment as to each one deciding who He is.

Today we encounter the Turning Point: On the climactic final day of the feast, the debate reaches a boiling point.

People are no longer just arguing about His credentials or where He is from; they are being confronted with the evidence, coming face to face with the teaching and hearts are being moved, or hardened, based on their conclusion.

Our section of scripture, John 7:37-53, can be broken down into two parts:

1) In vs 37-39 Jesus will again declare who He is.

2) and in vs 40-52 the people will respond.

What we will see is that then – as it is now – there are THREE responses to Jesus’ claim.

1) Those who are CONVINCED – and believe by faith.

2) Those who are CONTRARY – and demonstrate hostility toward the truth.

3) and those who are CONFUSED – who continue in a perpetual state of

    uncertainty.

But make no mistake – of these three responses – only one will see that person through to salvation and eternal life, blessed by the Lord –

"This is the Christ!"