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Sermon #5450

And the Jews Marvelled

A Sermon on John 7:15

Originally preached May 17, 1959

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Scripture

John 7:15 ESV KJV
The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” (ESV)

Sermon Description

Trimming Christianity to mere ethical teachings or to matters of political agitation may interest certain people. Christians may even gain the respect of others through their good deeds or for their dedication to Sunday morning service. But in neither case, argues Dr. Martyn-Lloyd Jones, will people marvel at the Christian gospel. The one thing that true Christianity leads to is wonder and amazement. In this sermon on John 7:15 titled “And the Jews Marveled,” Dr. Lloyd-Jones says the essence of the gospel always leads people to marvel and true Christianity will have this effect. In the sermon, Dr. Lloyd-Jones traces this theme of amazement, astonishment, and marvel through the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He asks whether or not the church is causing people to marvel, and if not, why? The listener will be challenged if they think Christianity is a set of rules to follow or a political program; that Jesus Christ came to help people live a better life; or that Jesus was simply a good man who left an example to follow. Listen to what the Bible says about the effect of the true gospel and hear the message of God’s grace, His salvation through Jesus Christ.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The Jews marveled at Jesus' teaching in John 7:15. Marveling is a characteristic response to the Christian message.
  2. Marveling indicates something is truly Christian. The absence of marveling suggests something is lacking.
  3. Jesus caused marveling even before he was born. The angel's announcement to Mary led to her marveling.
  4. Jesus at age 12 caused marveling by confounding the teachers in the temple.
  5. Jesus' teaching and knowledge caused marveling despite his lack of formal education.
  6. Jesus' way of speaking caused marveling, e.g. the gracious words from his mouth in Luke 4.
  7. Jesus' miracles caused marveling, e.g. calming the storm. People asked "What is this?" and "Who is this?"
  8. Jesus' behavior caused marveling, e.g. not washing before dinner in Luke 11 and talking with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
  9. Jesus associating with sinners caused marveling, e.g. "receiveth sinners and eateth with them" in Luke 15.
  10. Jesus' trial caused marveling. He did not defend himself, causing Pilate to marvel greatly in Mark 15:5.
  11. Jesus' quick death caused marveling. Pilate marveled that he was already dead in Mark 15:44.
  12. The church's history has caused marveling, e.g. Peter and John healing the lame man, and the events of Pentecost.
  13. The gospel message causes marveling. Salvation by grace through faith, not by works, is astonishing.
  14. Regeneration, being born again, causes marveling. It is a mysterious act of God, not of man's efforts.
  15. There will be future marveling at Jesus' return and judgment of the world. Unbelievers will marvel and perish.

The Book of John

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.