How does John 7:40 affirm Jesus as the prophesied Messiah in Scripture? Setting the Scene at the Feast • John 7 places Jesus in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration linked to God’s provision of water in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:33-43). • On “the last and greatest day of the feast,” He cries out, “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink’” (John 7:37-38). • This promise of “living water” recalls prophecies of the Spirit’s outpouring (Isaiah 12:3; 44:3; 55:1; Ezekiel 36:25-27). The Crowd’s Proclamation (John 7:40) “On hearing these words, some of the people said, ‘This is truly the Prophet.’” Why “the Prophet” Equals “the Messiah” • Deuteronomy 18:15-18 foretold a singular, authoritative figure: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.” • First-century Jews used “the Prophet” as shorthand for that Deuteronomy promise (cf. John 1:21; 6:14). • Over time, “the Prophet” expectation merged with messianic hope (Acts 3:22-24; 7:37), so recognizing “the Prophet” effectively meant acknowledging the Messiah. Prophecies Jesus Just Echoed • Living-water imagery: Isaiah 55:1; Zechariah 14:8 (a messianic river flowing from Jerusalem). • Spirit outpouring: Joel 2:28-29, fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18). • Speaking with Moses-level authority: Deuteronomy 18:18 (“I will put My words in his mouth”), mirrored in John 7:16-17. Old Testament Messianic Traits Reflected in John 7 • From Judah and David’s line (Genesis 49:10; Jeremiah 23:5) – affirmed earlier in John 7:42. • Teaching with divine authority (Isaiah 11:2; 61:1) – displayed in John 7:15-17. • Drawing nations to Himself (Isaiah 42:1, 6) – hinted as crowds gather from all over for the feast. • Offering salvation like living water (Isaiah 55:1; Zechariah 13:1) – declared in John 7:37-38. Consistent Recognition Across John’s Gospel • John 1:41 – Andrew: “We have found the Messiah.” • John 1:45 – Philip: “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote.” • John 1:49 – Nathanael: “You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” • John 6:14 – Feeding the 5,000: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” • John 7:31 – Many believe: “When the Messiah comes, will He perform more signs than this man?” These cumulative testimonies reinforce John 7:40’s declaration. Certainty Anchored in Scripture • John 7:40 shows ordinary Israelites connecting Jesus’ words and works with Deuteronomy 18’s promise. • Their conclusion, “This is truly the Prophet,” aligns with multiple messianic prophecies and confirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. • The literal fulfillment of Scripture in Christ invites unshakable confidence that God’s promises stand secure and complete in Jesus. |
    |