25 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ? 27 But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from."  Click here for John 7:25-35

Look at the various responses to Jesus in this 7th chapter: v.5 His own brothers did not believe on him. v. l2..He is a good man..v.l2b He is a deceiver. v. 40 A prophet, v. 41 The Christ. v. 42 How can he be? 43..The people were divided. v. 46 No one spoke as this man. are you also deceived.? v.47 "Have any of the rulers believed? It is only the mob who knows nothing of the law. there is a curse on them. " There is much confusion over who Jesus is. This is the crux of a decision that anyone is faced with in this life, whether they lived 2,000 years ago or whether you live now. There ultimately comes the question of; “What you are going to do with Jesus?”. There are questions that are asked in these last verses. "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill? (yes. He is) “Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?” (no, they haven't) Jesus declares to them that He is the one who is from above. He knows God because He is from heaven.

The Jews were waiting for the one from God they could identify as the Messiah, so then is stands to reason to look at the next question: "When the Christ comes, will He do more miracles than this man?" The obvious answer is, "No, He will not". When the Messiah comes, will He do more--could He do more--than Jesus? Who could do more to convince anyone that He is the Messiah? He said it; He showed them miracles; He was not attached to the things of this world. Why should He be when He lived in glory?

When I went to India, I was grateful for a bed to sleep on while the hosts slept on the floor. I realized this was only a short time living without air conditioning and intermitted electricity because I was soon to go home to my own bed, cooler temperatures, my own car, and a wife. I appreciated what I needed for the journey, but that wasn’t home and I wasn’t attached to it. Jesus was not attached to this temporary world while on His temporary journey. He was awaiting to go home knowing His time on earth was limited. It wanted His followers to also have this insight.

When we ask who Jesus is, think of the influence He had, not just on the church and among Christians, but on societies. Look at the greatest social changes and reforms that occurred and still occurs because of Jesus. No other religion can claim that. At the time of Christ, the world was a place of cruelty and horror. Slavery was practiced; Gladiatorial contests encouraged. Prejudice running ramped. It was because of the followers of Jesus Christ that slavery changed, the Roman games were changed, places of refuge were provided, there was food for the poor, education, hospitals, orphanages, Could the coming of another man do more than this?

The last question was “Where will Jesus go so, we will not find Him? How can we find Him?” We can only find Him by trusting in Him.

Application:   How do we face a crowd antagonistic to Christ and to Christians? It is trusting Jesus and realizing that the ways of man will pass, but the ways of God endure. When we have the eternal perspective on truth and seek to live it out we can fear no man. Trust in God. He will never leave you nor forsake you, even through death.

Prayer:   Oh Gracious Lord, give me grace to love You more and to have no fear.  I trust You Lord.  Your Word is my sword as I encounter the spiritual battles to overcome the world as You did when You were here on earth.   Empower me to be a channel for Your love to this troubled world.  

Dale