“Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.”– John 7:28 (KJV)
“Yes, you know me and you know where I come from. I’m not here on my own, but he who sent me is true, and you don’t know him.”– John 7:28 (NLT)
“You know me, and you know where I’m from. I’m not here on my own. The One who sent me is true, and you don’t know him.”– John 7:28 (MSG)
What Does John 7:28 Mean?
The verse John 7:28 is filled with profound meaning. In this moment, Jesus speaks with authority and clarity. He addresses the crowd that has gathered around him. The Jews present know him, they know where he comes from. They might even think they understand him. Yet Jesus corrects them by stating that he does not act on his own authority. His true authority comes from the one who sent him, referring to God the Father. This adds a rich layer of significance to the verse. It highlights the distinction between human knowledge and divine truth. While the crowd may know Jesus on a surface level, they are unaware of the deeper reality of his divine mission.
Jesus emphasizes that their understanding is limited. They know where he grew up and the family he belongs to, but they do not truly know God. This is a central theme in the Gospel of John: the relationship between God and Jesus. It’s an invitation for us to explore our understanding of Jesus and our relationship with God. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize not just who Jesus is, but who he represents in relation to God. In saying he comes from the Father, Jesus reveals his identity as the Son of God. Hence, we need to ask ourselves, how well do we truly know God and seek to understand his nature through Jesus?
John 7:28 Explanation and Commentary
As we read this verse, we can feel the tension present in the encounter. Picture a crowd, buzzing with opinions and questions about Jesus. Some are skeptical, while others are curious. Yet, in the middle of this, Jesus stands confidently in who he is and where he comes from. This self-assuredness is pivotal to his message. Jesus does not shy away from asserting his role as the messenger from God, which invites us to reflect on how we stand in our faith amidst doubt and questioning.
When Jesus mentions that he has been sent by the Father, he is reiterating a fundamental belief in Christianity: that God actively reaches out to humanity. Through Jesus, we receive a direct line to understand God’s love and intentions for each one of us. Jesus is not just a historical figure; he is a living testimony of God’s heart. This challenges us to examine if we see Jesus merely as a teacher or if we recognize him as the Son of God, our Savior. It pushes us to realize the importance of our relationship with the Father through Jesus.
Furthermore, this verse illuminates the idea of revelation. People often see things at face value, just as the crowd did with Jesus. By saying ‘you do not know him,’ Jesus is highlighting that true knowledge of God comes through faith and relationship, not through mere observation. It calls us to delve deeper. Are we content with surface understanding, or are we willing to grow in our knowledge of God? This growth takes intentionality; we must seek God with an open heart. We can do this by praying, reading the Bible, and spending time in reflection.
This understanding invites us into a richer, more fulfilling relationship with God. As we grow to know Him properly, our perspective changes. We can view our lives and struggles through a lens of faith and hope. Each question and doubt becomes an opportunity to draw closer to God.
Context of John 7:28
To truly grasp the significance of John 7:28, we should consider the broader context. At this time, Jesus is attending the Feast of Tabernacles, a major Jewish festival where people gather to celebrate God’s provision during their time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. This context is essential since it highlights the themes of remembrance and gratitude towards God for his provision and guidance.
During such festivals, the debates about Jesus’ identity were intense. Some saw him as a prophet, others questioned his authority. By declaring that he comes from God, Jesus is making a bold statement. He is positioning himself at the center of God’s plan of salvation. The implications of this are vast; he is reminding the people of the depth of their own religious traditions while inviting them to perceive a transformative relationship with God’s presence.
The earlier chapters in John also provide critical background. The surrounding dialogue and interactions showcase differing perspectives about Jesus. For instance, in John 7:25-27, people express their skepticism, implying that they believe they know where he is from, which contradicts Jesus’ origins. They fail to see beyond their limited understanding. Here, Jesus’ assertion is not only defined by his origins but by the authority of the God who sent him. This challenges us to reflect on our own perceptions. Do we allow our biases to interfere with understanding the truth about Jesus?
Understanding this context helps us to appreciate the significance of this verse. It isn’t just a simple introduction of Jesus. It is part of a larger story where Jesus reveals his divine identity amidst confusion, skepticism, and doubt. Jesus is calling people to recognize the need for spiritual insight over mere surface knowledge. This sets the tone for the rest of the Gospel, as Jesus continues to invite people into a deeper relationship with God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 7:28
Let’s break down the key parts of this verse to explore their meanings further. Jesus begins with an assertion of familiarity: “You know me.” This phrase can resonate with us. We find comfort in familiarity, right? But here, Jesus juxtaposes this comfort with a deeper truth. While people might know where he is from, they don’t truly understand who he is. This discrepancy challenges us to examine our own understanding of Jesus. It pushes us beyond a simple knowledge to a conscious engagement with his life and teachings.
Then, Jesus says, “I am not come of myself.” This is such a powerful statement. It signifies that his presence and purpose are not self-originated. Instead, divine authority sends him. As believers, we should reflect on whom we seek to follow. Are we following our own ambitions, or are we aligning ourselves with God’s purpose? Recognizing that Jesus comes from God emphasizes our need for divine guidance in our own lives.
Next, Jesus states, “but he that sent me is true.” Here, he gives reverence to the Father. He stresses that God is not a distant deity but a true and loving presence actively engaged in humanity’s story. In a world that often questions the authenticity of spiritual truth, this reassurance from Jesus is profound. We find assurance in faith that God is true, and through Jesus, we can discover that truth ourselves.
Finally, Jesus concludes with, “whom ye know not.” This final proclamation is nearly a plea. It’s a call to action for listeners to seek deeper knowledge of God. It challenges us to evaluate how we might unknowingly create barriers between us and God. Our faith journey invites us to confront these barriers and seek intimacy in our relationship with God. Would we be willing to step forward and fully embrace the truth of who God is in our lives?
Lessons to Learn From John 7:28
There are powerful lessons to take away from John 7:28. One crucial lesson is understanding the difference between knowledge and intimacy. In our spiritual lives, we may know facts about Jesus. We can recite verses, attend church services, and engage in religious discussions. However, knowing about Jesus is different than knowing Jesus. This verse invites us to aim for a deeper relationship free from surface-level knowledge.
Another significant lesson is about spiritual openness. The crowd’s skepticism serves as a reminder that we must avoid the trap of being dismissive or overly critical. We often approach faith with questions and uncertainties. Jesus’ willingness to declare his divine authority encourages us to embrace our inquiries. God is big enough to hold our questions—and he desires for us to seek him earnestly, whether in doubt or faith.
This verse also teaches about identity. Jesus found his identity and purpose in the fact that he was sent by God. This speaks volumes about our own identity as followers of Christ. If we, too, consider ourselves children of God, then our lives should reflect that identity. Our actions, words, and even our character should reflect our relationship with God and his truth.
Finally, we learn the significance of understanding God’s true nature. Jesus invites everyone to experience the reality of his Father. Often, we can accept shallow definitions of God based on traditions or assumptions instead of the profound experiences He longs for us to discover. True knowledge of God comes from engaging with him personally through prayer, worship, and study of the Word.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on John 7:28, we come to realize the deeper call to relationship with God that lies within these words. Jesus does not merely present himself as a teacher; he is the revelation of God’s love and purpose for our lives. Knowing him is an ongoing journey of faith. Each step in our spiritual walk leads us closer to understanding who Jesus truly is and the intimate relationship he desires with us.
As we work through our own doubts and questions, we can rest assured that Jesus stands ready to reveal the truth of God’s love. This journey calls us into depth. How remarkable is it that while we seek him, we are met with grace, truth, and discovery every day!
Let’s take a moment to explore additional topics that touch on similar themes and encourage our journey deeper in faith. You can check out John 7:10 or reflect on Numbers 13:22 for more insights. Each piece of scripture enriches our understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with Him.