John – Chapter 7:25-39
Introduction: Jesus among the pilgrims – Jesus remains at the Feast of Tabernacles, with responses from various groups about the pronouncements He made concerning himself and the growing hostility (v.28ff, v.27ff). This is not a discussion, it is Jesus asserting Himself as the one sent by the Father, a warning to repent, and as the one who fulfills the Feast of Tabernacles. They form a direct continuation of v.15-24. v.25-26 “We know where this Man is from…” – “This man” is clearly disdain. Jesus isn’t fulfilling expectations. They know His origin story. But they think no one will know where the Messiah comes from (see Mt. 24:26; Lk 17:23). They do not deny He will be of Davidic descent or born in Bethlehem, but rather the way He will appear in public. v. 28-29 “Then Jesus cried out” – Not only does Jesus use prophetic voice (“cried out”) but does so “as He taught in the Temple.” Jesus’ appearance is not a miraculous phenomenon (cf. 6:42). Even as they know Him, they don’t know everything. By not knowing the Father, they do not know Him, and thus, do not recognize His authority. What is at stake is not doctrine or law or tradition but rather the knowledge of God himself. As the Evangelist makes clear, the Father is revealed in the sending of the Son (3:16-18). v.30-32 – These who address Him now seek to arrest Him as blasphemer for the absoluteness of His claims. But even then, their actions are determined by God’s counsel. And the impact of Jesus’ Word and actions irritate the authorities even more. “Many of the people believed in Him.” Note how the faith given by Jesus is not as dependent on miracles as it is on His word, identity, and authority. The miracles relate to His credibility and to what was demanded by the Jews (20:31; Mt 11:2-6; Mt 12:38ff; 2 Th 2:5-12; 1 Cor 1:20-25). v. 33-34 “To Him who sent me” – Jesus will now use this phrase regularly (8:13, 21, 22; 13:3, 33, 36; ch. 14 & 15). For those who heard, it is puzzling, but for the reader it is clear in light of what He has just said. “Where I am you cannot come” refers to His going to the Father. No one can go to the Father but by the Son. And no one…