The Gospel of John: John 7.25-36

Read and meditate on John 7.35, 36.
The confusion continues, and perhaps a bit of wishful thinking to boot.

³⁵The Jews then asked, “Where is He going from
us, that we may not find Him? Will He go
to those who dwell among the Greeks, and show
Himself to them, and teach the Greeks? ³⁶What can
He mean by saying to us, ‘Where I am
you cannot come, though you will seek Me?’” 
           
- John 7.35, 36

Reflect
1.  There is something rather ominous about that first question in verse 35. Did they really think He couldn’t escape them? What does it suggest about the network these leaders had working for them all over Judea and Galilee? Complete the following brief prayer: It’s frightening, Lord, the lengths people will go to maintain their power. But we do not need to fear, because…

2.  On the other hand, their second question (again, in v. 35) sounds hopeful. Explain. I’m sure, Lord, that some people would just like us to go away and bother someone else. However…
3.  These religious leaders were completely stymied by Jesus’ remark about going somewhere they would not be able to find Him. They could not imagine what He meant by that. Their problem was they were one horizon short in their thinking. Explain. Let me never lose sight of the fact that I live in two worlds, Lord, and this means…

4.  Do you sense that these religious leaders were beginning to fear Jesus? Why? What threat did Jesus pose for them? Do you think sometimes people are so concerned that Jesus is a threat to them, that they can fail to see the promise He offers? Give an example. What is our role in clearing up this confusion and uncertainty? Let not my life be a threat to anyone, Lord, but let me embody the promise You offer of…

5.  John 7 focuses on three different groups of people: the confused people in the streets, the religious leaders, and those who believe in Jesus. It’s probably the case that we have people from each of these categories in our Personal Mission Fields. Our calling, like that of Jesus, is to show up and show Jesus. How do you prepare for this calling each day? Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.

Summary
“‘Will he go to the Gentiles and teach them?’ They did not understand this at all. And yet even their mistake is an unwitting prophecy of our salvation. The Lord would indeed go to the Gentiles, not in his own person, but by his feet. What were his feet? Those which Saul desired to trample upon by persecution when the Head cried out to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ … He sent to us those whom he had made his members, and so made us his members.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

It’s important that we pay careful attention to the ways people respond to Jesus, because they will respond to our witness in similar ways. Jesus did not hold back, did not flinch, and did not avoid confrontation. His message is too important. Pray daily that the Lord will give you the courage you need to stir up the air for Jesus wherever you go. What will that mean for you today?

Closing Prayer
The LORD reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!
Clouds and darkness surround Him;
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
A fire goes before Him,
And burns up His enemies round about.
His lightnings light the world;
The earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare His righteousness,
And all the peoples see His glory.
Let all be put to shame who serve carved images,
Who boast of idols.
Worship Him, all you gods.
Zion hears and is glad,
And the daughters of Judah rejoice
Because of Your judgments, O LORD.
For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.

Psalm 97.1-9

Psalm 97.1, 6, 9 (Darwall: Rejoice, the Lord is King!)
Rejoice, the Lord is King! O earth, lift up your voice;
Be glad, you islands, shout and sing: Rejoice! Rejoice!
    Beyond, above all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!

The heav’ns above declare His glorious righteousness;
And tribes and peoples everywhere His Name confess.
    Beyond, above all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!
T. M. Moore

Jesus is the Centerpiece of all Scripture, as He Himself explained (Jn. 5.39). But how can we learn to see Him there? How do the primary themes of Scripture revolve around Jesus? Our online course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, shows you how best to get at, get into, and get with the Word of God, so that you can grow more consistently in the Lord. It’s free, and you can study at your own pace. For more information or to register, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.