READ: JOHN 7:25–36: … You will seek me and not find me, and where I am you cannot come …
Jesus appears in an increasingly tense and dangerous situation. There is already open talk of killing Him (v.25). Still, Jesus does not shy away from confrontation. He seeks people’s hearts with His gospel, but also uses the resulting crisis to force a decision.
The people and leaders must eventually choose: accept or reject Him as their Christ, their Savior, the Son of God. Later, they will not be able to say, “We didn’t know Him.” At the same time, all those who seek the gospel—who thirst like for water—must be able to find Him.
The crowd is confused, asking many questions to gain clarity. Verse 26: If the Jewish leaders want to kill Him, why is He still speaking freely? Could it be they really recognize Him? But we know His parents—how can He be the Christ?
Jesus responds in His teaching. Again, He points to the true God as the One who sent Him: “I am sent and did not come of Myself. But He who sent Me is true, and you do not know Him” (v.28).To the listeners, this remains a mystery—one that can only be resolved by believing in Him as the One sent by God.
The Jews are unable to arrest Jesus because the Father has determined it is not yet time. Meanwhile, some in the crowd do see Him as the Christ—though that does not necessarily mean they see Him as the One who will give His life for them (v.31). That becomes clear later from the “Hosanna” shouts at His triumphal entry (Matt. 21:9).
There is widespread confusion about who Jesus really is. Among the Pharisees and chief priests, this causes unrest—they want to arrest Him (v.32). Jesus declares that His end is approaching (v.33). But after His resurrection and ascension, they will no longer be able to find Him.
Why couldn’t Jesus convince the Jews?
Sing: Ps. 12:2,4