When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” So there was a division among the people over him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

First, there will always be a division because of Jesus Christ; it is unavoidable. Sin has darkened the mind, and it takes revelation to get an understanding. People will always be opposed to Him. Many will remain ignorant, no matter how clear the teaching. Therefore, it is a battle to preach the gospel. Do not enter, if you want to be liked.

Our message is often opposed and misunderstood, but what is that to us? Ours is to be faithful, and God will raise up people who seek for faithfulness. 1 Cor 4:2, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” Ours is to control ourselves and minister the gospel.

We don’t need human approval! We make our calling and election sure. We prove the sincerity of our ministry by faithfulness and good works. We work on ourselves and SHOW OURSELVES APPROVED. 2 Tim 2:15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This is the difference between pleasing men and God. Pleasing God has rest. Seeking human approval is vain, for vain is the help of man. Ps 107:12, "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless."

Secondly, this is the message of the gospel.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

Many say that this is not in the oldest manuscripts, but it is according to the gospel. There is no condemnation in Jesus, and we are to sin no more. Both are true, and we are to keep both before our people. No condemnation is the message of mercy, grace, and forgiveness; it is pardon for our sins and God reconciled to us; it is Him favoring us and giving us all that we need. Sin no more is the command of the gospel. This isn’t law. This is God making us holy. It's forgiveness making us loving; it is zeal for good works, because He gave Himself for me, gives me the Spirit, and there is joy in honoring God. Titus 2:14, "He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."