The Gospel of John- Part 19: Jesus in Secret | John 7:1-24// May 31st, 2026
Teaching overview
On Sunday, In John 7:1–24, Jesus refused to be driven by public opinion or the desire for recognition, choosing instead to follow the Father’s timing and seek God’s approval above all else. Pastor Riley challenged the church to resist the cultural pressure of self-promotion and embrace the spiritual discipline of secrecy—doing good, serving, and seeking God in ways that often went unseen by others. Through Jesus’ example, he reminded the church that our identity, worth, and strength are found not in human applause but in the God who sees us and rewards what is done in secret.
Our prayer for the Community
Father, as we come before You, help us to seek Your approval above the praise of others and to find our identity in being seen and loved by You. Give us the humility and courage to serve, pray, and do good in secret this week, trusting that You see every faithful act done for Your glory. Amen.
Group questions and further meditations:
Living for God’s Approval
Meditation:
Jesus refused to be driven by public opinion, popularity, or the expectations of others. Instead, He lived according to the Father’s timing and sought God’s approval above all else. We often feel the pressure to be noticed, affirmed, or appreciated, but Jesus invites us into the freedom of living for an audience of One.
DiscussionQuestions:
Where do you feel the strongest pressure to seek approval or recognition from others?
How can you tell when public opinion is influencing your decisions more than God’s leading?
Put into practice one of Riley’s challenges this week:
-Do something good or kind without telling someone.
-In a conversation about a familiar topic, resist the urge to say all you know.
-Hold someone's confidence without sharing or gossiping and pray for that person in secret.The Practice of Secrecy
Meditation:
Jesus taught His followers to give, pray, and serve in secret, trusting that the Father sees what others may never notice. Practicing secrecy helps break our dependence on recognition and deepens our trust that God sees and values our faithfulness.
DiscussionQuestions:
Why is it difficult to do good without telling others about it?
Have you ever experienced joy or freedom from serving someone anonymously?
What is one practical way you could practice secrecy this week?
3. The God Who Sees
Meditation:
Whether we crave recognition or feel overlooked, God sees us completely. The secret place with God is where our identity is formed, our hearts are strengthened, and we are reminded that our worth is not determined by how visible we are to others.
DiscussionQuestions:
When have you felt unseen, unappreciated, or overlooked?
How does knowing that God sees you affect the way you view your hidden acts of faithfulness?
What practices help you cultivate a deeper relationship with God in the “secret place”?
