What is the meaning of John 7:40? On hearing these words • The crowd had just listened to Jesus proclaim, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him’” (John 7:37–38). • Hearing, not merely noticing, is the pivot; Scripture links genuine faith to attentive listening (Romans 10:17; Isaiah 55:3). • Jesus’ words struck at the heart of the Feast of Tabernacles, where water-drawing rituals symbolized salvation—so His invitation carried unmistakable Messianic weight (Isaiah 12:3; Zechariah 14:8). • The Spirit’s future indwelling (John 7:39) is silently foreshadowed; those who listened with open hearts received a foretaste of that promise. some of the people said • The crowd was divided, yet this group spoke up, illustrating how God’s word instantly separates belief from unbelief (Hebrews 4:12; John 7:12). • Their openness sets them apart from leaders who “sent officers to arrest Him” (John 7:32). • Scripture often records mixed reactions to divine revelation—some marvel, others scoff (Luke 12:51; Acts 28:24). • Even partial recognition is significant; it shows God’s truth piercing ordinary people rather than the elite alone (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). “This is truly the Prophet.” • “The Prophet” refers to Moses’ promise: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15). • Earlier crowds reacted the same way after the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:14) and John the Baptist disavowed that title (John 1:21), directing eyes to Jesus. • By adding “truly,” they affirm authenticity, contrasting false claimants (Matthew 24:24). • While they recognized Jesus as the promised Prophet, many had yet to grasp that the Prophet and the Messiah are one Person (John 7:41-42). • Later apostolic preaching confirms the identification: “Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me…’” and Peter applies it directly to Christ (Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37). summary Hearing Jesus’ invitation to come and drink, a segment of the crowd responded in faith-tinged wonder, declaring Him the long-awaited Prophet foretold by Moses. Their reaction shows how the living word calls for decision, divides hearts, and invites recognition of Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of Scripture. |
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