John 7: Do Not Judge According to Appearances

Bishop Williamson opens this lecture on John 7 by discussing the instruction not to judge by appearances, but to judge with righteous judgment. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of Christ beyond the outward perception held by those who sought to kill Him. The lecture begins with a context of the tensions in Jerusalem and the skepticism surrounding the identity of the Nazarene, setting the stage for an analysis of how the authorities and the crowds misunderstood His divine mission.

Moving through the text, Williamson addresses the confusion of the people regarding the origin of the Christ, noting that while they knew where Jesus was from, they did not know where He truly came from. He cites Micah 5:2 and Malachi 3:2 as scriptural foundations for understanding the mystery of the Messiah's coming. He discusses the nature of the Pharisees' opposition, the role of the temple guards who were struck by His teaching, and the internal division among the people. The lecture delves into the concept of a syllogism in logic, using it as a tool to examine the flawed reasoning of the Jewish leaders. He also mentions the historical context of the Middle Ages, comparing it to the current state of the Church, and reflects on the persistence of human sin and the necessity of divine intervention through the grace of God.

He concludes the session by reflecting on the nature of the Church throughout history, characterizing it as a series of ages that rise and fall. He reminds the students that the Church is currently in a period of decline, but emphasizes that this is not a permanent state. He ends by urging the listeners to remain faithful, noting that the ultimate destiny of the Church is in the hands of God, and that even in times of trial, the grace provided is sufficient for those who persevere.