Understanding the Will of God in John 7:17
Quick Summary
John 7:17 says, “Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.” This verse teaches that obedience opens the door to spiritual understanding: by aligning with God’s will, people gain clarity about Jesus’ authority and truth.
Introduction
In John 7, Jesus is teaching during the Festival of Booths, a feast celebrating God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey. Amid public debate over his identity, Jesus responds to questions about the source of his teaching. John 7:17 cuts to the heart: knowing whether Jesus’ message truly comes from God requires more than intellect—it requires a posture of obedience.
This verse speaks directly to a timeless human struggle: discerning God’s will. Many people want certainty before committing, but Jesus flips this order. Commitment to God’s will is the very pathway to understanding. Knowledge isn’t simply academic; it flows from obedience.
Meaning of John 7:17
“Anyone who resolves to do the will of God”
Jesus starts with the heart. The gateway to discernment is not elite training but a willing posture. “Resolves” signals intentionality—direction more than perfection. It’s the Deuteronomy 6 call to love God with the whole self (Deut 6:5) and the psalmist’s desire to do God’s will (Ps 40:8). In john’s Gospel, willingness itself is evidence of the Father already drawing a person (see John 6:44). A yielded will is the soil where clarity grows.
“will know”
The promise is experiential: you will know. This is not armchair speculation but lived recognition that emerges as you obey. Scripture consistently links obedience and insight—“the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps 111:10); “be doers of the word” (Jas 1:22). Jesus will later say, “If you continue in my word… you will know the truth” (John 8:31–32). Obedience doesn’t bypass study; it completes it. Insight ripens in practice.
“whether the teaching is from God”
This is the discernment question: is Jesus’ doctrine sourced in God? Throughout John, Jesus roots his words and works in the Father: “the Son can do nothing on his own” (John 5:19); “the Father… has given me a commandment what to say” (John 12:49). Those who set their will toward God recognize this family likeness. The resonance of the Father’s voice authenticates the Son’s teaching.
“or whether i am speaking on my own”
Jesus contrasts God-sourced teaching with self-sourced talk. In the very next verse he adds, “Whoever speaks on their own seeks their own glory” (John 7:18). Self-exalting teachers hunger for applause and credentials; Jesus seeks the Father’s honor. Willing hearts can tell the difference. The test isn’t rhetorical polish but whose glory is pursued.
Putting the phrases together
John 7:17 sketches an “epistemology of obedience.” Set your will to God → live what you know → discern Christ’s divine authority. Resistance blurs vision; surrender clears it. This is why some in Jerusalem remained confused while others began to believe: same Teacher, different posture of heart. Align the will, and light breaks in.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Festival of Booths (Tabernacles) was one of Judaism’s most joyful celebrations, recalling God’s provision in the wilderness. Jerusalem would have been crowded with pilgrims, debates, and teaching. Rabbis typically cited their mentors or traditions to prove authority, but Jesus appealed directly to God as his source.
In this setting, his teaching sounded radical. Some accused him of self-promotion, while others wondered if he might be the Messiah. John 7:17 situates discernment not in external endorsements but in personal orientation to God’s will.
Theological Significance
Divine Initiative and Human Response: The verse emphasizes synergy: God reveals truth, but humans must be willing to obey.
Epistemology of Obedience: True knowledge of God doesn’t come merely through study but through lived faith. Spiritual truth is verified in action.
Christ’s Authority: Jesus roots his teaching in the Father’s will, not human tradition. This demonstrates his unique authority and unity with God.
Connection to John’s Gospel Themes
Light and Darkness: Willing obedience is stepping into light, where truth is revealed (John 3:21).
Hearing and Doing: The Gospel often contrasts superficial listeners with those who truly hear and obey (John 10:27).
Unity with the Father: Jesus continually points back to the Father as the source of his words and works.
Practical Applications
Discerning God’s Will: Don’t wait for perfect clarity before acting. Take steps of obedience, and clarity will follow.
Obedience as the Pathway to Knowledge: If you struggle with doubt, begin by living out the truth you already know. Understanding grows as obedience deepens.
Guarding Against Skepticism: Beware of endless questioning that masks unwillingness to obey. True seekers are marked by readiness to submit to God’s will.
Cultivating a Teachable Spirit: Approach Scripture, prayer, and worship with humility. Ask not only, “What does this mean?” but also, “Am I willing to obey it?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I know if I’m truly willing to do God’s will?
A: Willingness shows in openness to correction, readiness to obey even when it costs, and humility before God’s Word. Perfection isn’t the standard; orientation of the heart is.
Q: Does this verse mean non-believers can’t understand Jesus’ teaching?
A: It means true spiritual discernment requires openness to God. Intellectual understanding is possible, but recognizing divine truth comes from a posture of obedience.
Q: How does this relate to spiritual practices?
A: Practices like prayer, Scripture reading, and worship are means of grace that shape willingness. They position us to receive God’s direction and confirm Christ’s truth.
Conclusion
John 7:17 teaches a profound truth: obedience unlocks understanding. The Father draws people into truth, but the heart must be willing to follow. Jesus’ authority is recognized not through credentials but through alignment with God’s will. This verse challenges us to move beyond detached curiosity into obedient trust.
Those who resolve to do God’s will discover that Jesus’ teaching is indeed from the Father. Discernment doesn’t precede obedience; it flows from it. The way to know God’s truth is to walk in it.
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