How should believers respond when others misunderstand Jesus' words, as in John 7:36? The Setting in John 7:36 “ ‘What is this statement that He said, “You will look for Me, and you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come”?’ ” (John 7:36) • In the temple courts Jesus foretells His departure, hinting at His death, resurrection, and ascension. • The religious crowd processes His words only in earthly terms and ends up confused. • Their question shows the gap between spiritual truth and natural understanding. Why Misunderstanding Happens • Spiritual blindness: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him” (1 Corinthians 2:14). • Pre-set assumptions: Leaders expected a political Messiah, not a suffering, ascending Savior. • Hardened hearts: “You will look for Me and not find Me” echoes judgment on willful unbelief (cf. John 5:39-40). • Limited revelation: Until the cross and Pentecost, the full meaning of Jesus’ words remained veiled (Luke 24:45). Our Calling When Misunderstanding Arises • Remember only God opens eyes. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). • Approach others with gentle clarity. “A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, forbearing… in the hope that God may grant them repentance” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Anchor explanations in Scripture, the final, trustworthy authority. • Keep Christ central; the goal is not to win arguments but to point to the Savior. Practical Steps for Believers • Speak plainly – Paraphrase Jesus’ words in everyday language. – Use cross-references: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 9:24. • Listen patiently – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19). – Identify the real obstacle—intellectual, moral, or emotional. • Respond with grace and respect – “Always be prepared to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). – Tone often persuades more than evidence. • Rely on the Spirit’s illumination – “The Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things” (John 14:26). – Pray privately that He would open hearts even as you speak. • Use the whole Bible – Show prophecies and their fulfillment (Isaiah 53; Psalm 110; Acts 2:29-36). – Demonstrate coherence from Genesis to Revelation. • Live what you explain – “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) gains credibility when matched by consistent conduct. – A transformed life is an unarguable testimony. Encouraging Promise Misunderstandings did not derail Jesus’ mission, and they cannot thwart His work today. As we lovingly clarify His words, the same Lord who later opened the disciples’ minds (Luke 24:45) still draws people to Himself. Our task is faithfulness; the results belong to Him. |
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