How does John 7:28 reveal Jesus' divine authority and mission from God? Setting the Scene in John 7 - The Feast of Tabernacles draws huge crowds to Jerusalem. - Debate about Jesus is intense: some call Him a good man, others accuse Him of deception (John 7:12). - In the middle of the feast, Jesus steps into the temple courts and teaches openly (John 7:14). - Verse 28 captures a dramatic moment: Jesus “cried out,” raising His voice so every listener must grapple with His claim. John 7:28 “Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, ‘You know Me and you know where I am from. I have not come on My own, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him.’” Divine Origin Beyond Earthly Geography - “You know Me and you know where I am from” - On the surface, townspeople know Jesus as the carpenter’s son from Nazareth (Matthew 13:55). - Jesus acknowledges their earthly familiarity but points beyond it. - “I have not come on My own” - His true origin is heavenly, not provincial; compare John 1:1–2, 14. - Emphasizes voluntary humility: though God, He entered human history (Philippians 2:6–7). Sent by the Father: Jesus’ Commission - “He who sent Me is true” - “Sent” (Greek apostellō) underscores a mission with divine authority. - Echoes earlier statements: “The Father has sent Me” (John 5:30; 6:38). - The reliability of the Sender (“is true”) guarantees the reliability of the Message (John 8:26). - Jesus’ authority rests on the Father’s character, not popular approval. Public Declaration of Authority - He “cried out” in the most public religious venue, refusing secrecy. - Shows fearless confidence; His hour has not yet come, but His identity must be proclaimed (John 7:30). - By confronting religious leaders on their own turf, Jesus exposes their ignorance of God despite their learning. Revealing Human Blindness - “You do not know Him” - Bold indictment of those who pride themselves on knowing Scripture. - Parallels John 5:37–40, where Jesus says they search the Scriptures yet refuse Him. - Divine authority shines brighter against human misunderstanding, underscoring the necessity of revelation (1 Corinthians 2:14). Foreshadowing of the Cross and Resurrection - His mission (“sent”) anticipates a climactic return to the Father after accomplishing redemption (John 17:4–5). - The same temple courts will later witness His arrest (John 18:20). - Resurrection will validate every claim He makes here (Romans 1:4). Takeaways for Today - Jesus’ authority is inseparable from His divine origin; He cannot be reduced to a moral teacher. - Authentic knowledge of God comes only through the One He sent (John 14:6). - Confidence in Scripture’s testimony about Christ equips believers to stand firm in public arenas, just as He did. |
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