Who Is Jesus?

Lesson #127

With this lesson we will begin the next section defined by John 7:25 – 31. “Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, “Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?”” (John 7:25 ESV). It seems that the Jews, the rulers, had been sharing their desire to eliminate Jesus with some of the people of Jerusalem because they now question if Jesus is not the man whom the Jews seek to kill? “And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:26 ESV). It is clear that these people are somewhat confused because here Jesus is speaking openly and the authorities, probably the Sanhedrin, are doing nothing about it. They wonder if the authorities have determined that Jesus is really the Christ. The people wonder about this because the Prophets have testified that the origin of Christ will be unknown. They said, “But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from” (John 7:27 ESV). Jesus really has an obstacle to overcome at this point.

Before we go any further we must stop and think about what is really happening here. The religious leaders have determined in their minds expectations for the coming Christ, the Messiah, and in their view, Jesus is not a good match and so they come up with arguments that explain why Jesus is not who he says he is. When Jesus confronts them and disproves their argument they contrive another argument against him. Sinful man will always come up with something that allows them to reject some new truth that is placed before them that doesn’t meet with their approval. It is no different today. We can decide what we want to believe and we will always have some argument that prevents us from accepting what God may be trying to teach us.

“So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know”” (John 7:28 ESV). In Micah 5:2 we are told that from Bethlehem a king would emerge that will rule over Israel, one whose origins are in the distant past. The Jews know where the man Jesus is from, but they can’t accept that he is anything more than that; they are not willing to accept that the one from Bethlehem, namely Jesus, existed in the distant past with God as the Son of God. Jesus points this out by explaining that he has not come on his own accord, but that he was sent by his Father. Jesus informs them that they do not know the one who sent him.

Jesus continues, “I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me” (John 7:29 ESV). Jesus continues to hold firm to who he is, where he is from, and who sent him. Jesus says that he knows the Father because he comes from him in obedience to his request. It is this eternal part of Jesus they can’t accept. They are unable to see that Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, was the door through which God entered; through which we may enter into the presence of the eternal God; God and man together in perfect union.

Prayer

Lord, you are such a great mystery to so many. It seems that unless God gives one understanding that person will not see or accept the deity of Jesus. Most people cannot get beyond the human level. Father, thank you for choosing me, drawing me to yourself, preparing me spiritually to desire Jesus, and giving me to him as a gift. Lord, thank you for unconditionally accepting me and giving me eternal life.