But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.”

John 7:25-31

But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.” So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” John 7:27-29

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 7:25-31, where we see continued reactions to Jesus' teaching in the temple during the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus shares that His origin is from the Father who is True (vv28-29).  He also shares that the people do not know God the Father - He who sent Jesus (v29). In v30 we see that nothing will stop God's plan of Jesus' death and resurrection despite the Jewish leadership having opportunity to arrest Him.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Jerusalem struggle to understand why the Jews - who are seeking to kill Jesus (v25) - are not confronting Jesus now that He is in plain sight and not avoiding the Jews (in contrast to vv1-3,6,8).  The people think they know Jesus based on where He is from and from their incomplete understanding of OT prophecies of Jesus (OT prophecies are clear that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, but prophecies of Jesus' hometown being Nazareth are inconclusive - see this).  Regardless, the people's understanding of scripture should lead them to believe that Jesus IS the Christ, the Promised Messiah. Many believed in Jesus - see v31 - although the text shares that they believed because of the signs He performed not that they believed He is the Promised Messiah.      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid making claims about Jesus that are not scripturally accurate.  Claim the promise that Jesus was sent by the Father and the Father is Truth so Jesus is Truth because all things have been given by the Father to the Son.  Claim the promise also that nothing will stop God's plan - of course with certainty we can say that He will come again, and believers are saved.  Follow Jesus' example to challenge those who claim to know scripture but add to/subtract from the Word to support their own motives. Bring the Word everywhere! 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.