vv. 25-26 –Isn’t this He whom they seek to kill? The reason Jesus did not go with His brothers to the feast was that He knew that the Jewish rulers wanted to kill Him. Some people thought the claim was insane. Others, who lived in Jerusalem, knew the claim was true. Behold, he speaks openly. For Jesus to be open and honest in expressing what He knew was true was astonishing. But They (said) nothing to Him. Why were the Jewish rulers hesitant to confront Jesus? Can it be the rulers indeed (knew) that this is truly the Christ? Maybe they received some evidence that proved Jesus was the Messiah?
There were two Jewish rulers who believed in Jesus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin (which was the Jewish court of justice). He “spoke for Jesus to the leaders of his day” (Young’s Bible Dictionary). Joseph of Arimathea was also a member of the Sanhedrin. He was a secret disciple of Jesus (Read John 19:38).
v. 27 – However we know where this man comes from. The multitude said, Hasn’t the Scripture said that Christ comes from the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was? They knew where Jesus’ earthly home was because the people knew Him as ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ But the Spirit of God revealed to the Apostle John the place that was the origin (origination) of Jesus.
v. 28 – Jesus said, you both know me, and where I am from. Did Jesus say these words to ridicule the Pharisees? In John 8:19, the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Where is your Father”? Their question was a sign that they didn’t understand who Jesus was or from where He came. Jesus said, I have not come of myself, but He who sent me is “true” whom you don’t know. The word “true” means “real or genuine.” “Jesus’ … will have no known origin, that is, the time and manner of His (appearance) were expected to be a mystery” (F. F. Bruce).
v. 29 – I know Him because I am from Him, and He sent me. He was sent by God, His Father.
vv. 30-31 – Many in the crowd joined with the rulers in seeking to seize the Lord, yet they could not. John described the human reason in John 6:15;10:39. He also described the divine reason in John 7:30, 44;8:20. These reasons prevented Jesus from being arrested because His hour had not come, the hour Jesus would die on the Cross of Calvary. Many believed, that is, they had confidence in) Him. John used his special phrase, “believe in Him” to designate… saving faith (see John 1:12).
GOD HAS A REASON WHY HE CREATED US AND GAVE US LIFE ON THIS EARTH. HE HAS A PLAN WHICH HE CREATED FOR US TO FULFILL, AND NOBODY ELSE CAN TAKE OUR PLACE. IF WE WANT TO HONOR HIM AND EXPERIENCE A MEANINGFUL LIFE, WE MUST BE OBEDIENT TO HIS CALLING. AS A RESULT OF BEING OBEDIENT, HE CAN GIVE A PEACE AND JOY WITHIN THAT THE WORLD CAN NOT TAKE AWAY.
-The Scripture passages are based on the World English Bible-
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