“But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.”– John 7:49 (KJV)
“But the crowds know nothing of the law, so they are under God’s curse.”– John 7:49 (NLT)
“But it’s the crowd that doesn’t know the Scriptures, the Law, that’s cursed.”– John 7:49 (MSG)
What Does John 7:49 Mean?
In this verse, we find the religious leaders of the time speaking about Jesus and the people who follow Him. They express their disdain, labeling the crowd as ignorant of the law, implying that they are somehow beneath the knowledge and understanding of the teachings that the Pharisees and Sadducees uphold. This statement reveals much about the attitude of the religious elite during that period. They considered themselves guardians of the law and separated themselves from the common people, viewing them as unworthy or cursed for their lack of knowledge.
But what does it truly mean to be cursed for not knowing the law? This can lead us to think about how knowledge and understanding of God’s word are essential in our lives. The law is referred to many times throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, and knowing the law means knowing God’s expectations for us. Knowledge is important, but what the Pharisees failed to recognize is that Jesus came to fulfill the law and to teach the people—to bring them closer to God, not to push them away.
John 7:49 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about the way the Pharisees viewed the crowds, it is important to understand their mindset. They felt justified in their superiority because they had dedicated their lives to studying and adhering to the commandments and laws presented in the scriptures. In their eyes, knowing the law made them special or better than the average person. Yet here we see Jesus interacting with “the people” whom the Pharisees spoke of disdainfully. The very crowds they mentioned are the same ones Jesus welcomed, healed, taught, and uplifted.
In Jesus’s teachings, it’s fascinating how He often turns the perspective of those in power upside down. He talks about how we need to become like children to enter the Kingdom of God. This leads us to think about humility and the importance of having an open heart, willing to learn, versus a prideful heart that believes we already know everything. The religious leaders had knowledge of the scriptures, but they lacked the understanding of love, grace, and mercy that Jesus embodied.
We are reminded in several other passages that God’s ways are higher than our ways and God’s thoughts higher than our thoughts. When the Pharisees claimed the crowd was cursed, they failed to see God’s plan in action, as Jesus was right there among them, teaching and saving. It speaks volumes about how we should approach one another today—seeking understanding, compassion, and the desire to see each other grow in Christ.
Context of John 7:49
To better grasp the significance of this verse, we must consider the context of the surrounding chapters in the Gospel of John. This particular moment occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles, a time when Jews would gather to celebrate God’s provision for them during their desert wanderings. The teachings of Jesus at this feast draw a crowd, and curiosity rises among the people. Many are amazed, while others are suspicious of His authority and the things He teaches.
The festival served as a backdrop where Jesus revealed more about who He was—the living water, the light of the world. As the crowds began to express their excitement and recognition of Him as perhaps the Messiah, the religious leaders were not only threatened but felt the need to maintain their stature. By discouraging the crowds, they thought that would keep people focused on their interpretations and control.
This interaction between the Sadducees and Pharisees and the crowd illustrates the tension between institutional religion and the heart of God. Jesus consistently challenged notions that mandated rigid obedience over sincere faith. His presence in the midst of the people, engaging with those labeled “cursed,” reiterates God’s redemption plan for humanity and how we can all have access to divine love.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 7:49
The phrase “the people who knoweth not the law” can indicate a few things. It highlights a burden some might carry when separated from God’s truth. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we feel ill-equipped or as if we don’t know enough? Jesus invites us to come as we are. We don’t need to have all the answers or know every law laid out in the scriptures. What matters is our willingness to learn, grow, and embrace the truth of God’s love.
Another essential aspect here is recognizing the attitude of judgment that the Pharisees held. They used the law to categorize people as either worthy or unworthy. Although we might not label others with such harsh terms as ‘cursed,’ we can still be guilty of putting similar boundaries on who we believe is included in God’s love. It leads us to examine how our perspectives can sometimes obstruct God’s grace, both in our hearts and in our interactions with others.
This calls us to reflect and ask ourselves: do we continue to hold onto judgments of others? Is there someone we need to extend grace to today, and how can we choose to be more like Jesus? We can be the light for someone who feels lost or unworthy. Instead, we encourage growth, embrace love, and model acceptance like Jesus did with those around Him.
Lessons to Learn From John 7:49
This verse presents several valuable lessons for us today. First, it shows us how to address others with compassion rather than judgment. Many people around us might struggle to understand spiritual things, echoing the crowd’s situation in John 7:49. We must remember that our role is to guide gently and share the truth without condemnation, allowing people to come to know Jesus without barriers.
Additionally, this verse highlights the necessity of humility in our relationships with others. Jesus embraced lowliness; we too should remain humble in our approach. Knowledge is vital, but it should be pursued with the intent to share and uplift others instead of creating divisions. Using knowledge as leverage over people can often lead to judgment that distances them from God.
Another lesson is about hope. The “cursed” people of that day were not beyond reach. God’s grace was available and extended through His Son, Jesus. No one is too far gone to experience God’s love. We must carry that hope in our hearts, believing that God can reach the unreachable and that our role is to mirror that love in our own lives.
Final Thoughts
John 7:49 serves as a powerful reminder of the love and acceptance Jesus offers to all, regardless of their understanding of the law. We recognize the responsibility we have, as followers of Christ, to share His love and grace. Instead of judging those who may not know the law, let us choose to guide with kindness and patience. By doing so, we participate in building a welcoming community centered on Jesus’s teachings.
As we go about our lives, may we become light for others, reflecting the love Jesus showed toward those labeled as “cursed.” Let us be the ones who nurture faith and understanding through compassion and community, reminding ourselves that everyone has a place within God’s family. If you are eager to learn more, explore other scriptures like John 7:12 and Numbers 13:22 to further enrich your understanding of God’s Word.