John 7:27-30

27 However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”

28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. 

29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.

“Do You Really Know Me?”

“Isn’t this the man that they want to kill? Why aren’t they stopping Him from speaking so boldly in the temple? Do the rulers actually know that He is the Christ?” This was the conversation among the people as Jesus was speaking in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. Then, in verse 27, we see just how confused the people were about the Old Testament scriptures. They said, paraphrasing, “But we know where this Man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He came from.” It is unclear why they thought this or where they got the idea. The scriptures never said that the Christ would come from some unknown place. In fact, they tell us exactly where He will come from. He will come from the tribe of Judah. (Genesis 49:8-12) He will be from the lineage of David. (2 Samuel 7:12-13) He would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2) So why would they say that they wouldn’t know where He came from? From what I have read, they believed that the Messiah would come out of nowhere in some kind of fantastic way. This false idea was another obstacle holding them back from seeing the truth clearly… from seeing Jesus the Christ clearly. People were spreading false teachings based on this idea. Don’t we see this all around us today? There is nothing new under the sun! We see all kinds of false teachings, ideas, and speculations today. It is another ploy by the devil to keep people confused and blinded to the truth. 

In verses 28-29, Jesus cries out to them. I can only take this to mean that He was pleading with them to open their eyes! He knows all of their thoughts, all of their doubts, and all of their false speculations. He cries out, paraphrasing, “You know Me, and you know where I am from! I am not here by My own will! I am here by the will of Him who sent Me, and He is true! You do not know Him (God), but I know Him! I am from Him! He sent Me to you!” Jesus just told all the Jews, God’s chosen people, that they did not know God. These words had to be a gut-punch, especially to the Pharisees and the chief priests. How dare this Man say that He knows God and we don’t! 

In verse 30, it says that they tried to take Him, but couldn’t lay a hand on Him, because His time was not at hand. Here we see God’s timetable yet again. They were not allowed to lay a finger on Jesus at this time. 

These people had Jesus standing directly in front of them, teaching them in a way that they had never been taught before. Yet… they didn’t believe. They had Him performing miracles right in front of them. Yet… they didn’t believe. Isn’t it the same today? No, we didn’t physically hear Him speak. No, we didn’t see the miracles. But, how could Jesus still be the historical figure that He is today if none of it were true? Time, as we know it, is based on the fact that Jesus was here. He was born. He lived about 33 years. He died a horrible death as an innocent man. And then there’s the tomb… it was empty. And, of course, the testimonies of all the people who saw Him alive when He was resurrected.

The evidence is all out there, and it is sound evidence. And, on top of all that evidence, there’s the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus that line up perfectly with His life. The Bible is the Living Word of God… the God-breathed Word… that has never been destroyed despite many attempts. Attempts were made in 303 A.D. by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, throughout the Dark Ages by Rome between 500-1500 A.D., and by the Council of Trent between 1545-63 A.D. But it has stood the test of time! God said that no one would ever destroy His Word, and that it would remain forever. (Matthew 24:35, 1 Peter 1:25, Isaiah 40:8) 

How clearly do I see Jesus for who He is to me personally? Do I talk to Him enough? Do I consider Him in every decision that I make? How clearly do I see His purpose for my life? Do I really SEE Him? Jesus is absolutely everything to every single one of us! Can you imagine being everything to every person in the world… past, present, and future? He wants to be our everything! That is Jesus. It is just really sad that everyone doesn’t see Jesus as everything to them. “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)