At the Feast of Tabernacles in the autumn, Jesus spoke to the participants. Some asked, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” (John 7:15).

Jesus replied, “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood” (John 7:17-18).

Jesus points out two things:

Those who seek God discover how God speaks to us through the study of the Scriptures. Those who rebel against God are blocked.

Those who take themselves on focus and their scholarship are not speaking in God’s name.

The revealing of Scripture in daily life is the source of divine power and comfort.