How Does This Man Know? (John 7:15)

I have the privilege to work with many talented individuals, both as an employer and colleague. When I am working in the trenches and grinding through the day’s tasks, all that matters to me is the whether the person working with me or for me is devoted to the same goal. Their educational background does not matter. I only need to know whether they are team players, committed to working together with me to complete the task at hand.

I can state, unreservedly, that some of the most talented and industrious people I have worked with, never went to college, and if they are professionals, never attended the most prestigious colleges, medical, or graduate schools. I am not dismissing or denigrating a solid educational background or ignoring outstanding educational achievements from prestigious schools, but in a specialized and precise field such as medicine, one could easily wonder how this could be? What is their common link? The answer lies in their character and attitude. Regardless of their educational background, none of them ever rest upon their laurels or past accolades. They admirably perform their jobs and assimilate into the workplace as team players, rather than grandstand, exerting their will upon others. They are willing to assume responsibilities, even if it is not in their job description. They are willing to complete tasks that an outside observer may view as demeaning or beneath their level of training. Their character is what matters.

And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?”’

John 7:15 (NKJV)

The educated Jews, the rabbis, the teachers, questioned the credentials of Jesus. How could someone who did not train in their seminaries could be so knowledgeable? How indeed!

Jesus answered His critics in the next verse.

Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.

John 7:16 (NKJV)

Jesus may not have attended a formal seminary like His critics. What attracted others to Him? Why did He speak with authority? He knew God’s Word and teaching. He rebuked Satan, during His temptation in the wilderness, by quoting God’s Word. He silenced His critics by quoting God’s Word. All of His teachings were soundly based upon God’s Word, revealed by the Prophets and Patriarchs. He was directly taught by God, the Father! He didn’t tout His upbringing or His accolades. Wherever He journeyed, with whomever He met, it was always to obey His Father’s will. Jesus character is what drew so many to Him.

May we all seek to have the character of God by confessing and repenting of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.