Who is Jesus?

John 7:25-31

Summary: In this passage, the people engage in a heated debate about Jesus' identity, with opinions divided as some recognize Him as the Messiah while others seek to silence Him. The tension and conflict surrounding Jesus reveal the true heart condition of the people.

Application: This passage prompts us to reflect on our own responses to Jesus' identity. Are we open to Him as the Messiah, willing to follow Him despite opposition and doubt? It challenges us to examine our hearts and deepen our commitment to Christ, even in the face of adversity.

How this passage points to Christ: Jesus' identity as the promised Savior and Son of God is a central theme in the Bible. Throughout Scripture, His true nature is revealed through various interactions and conflicts, highlighting His divine mission to bring salvation to humanity. This passage in John 7 adds to the ongoing revelation of Jesus' identity amidst opposition and disbelief.

Big Idea: The debate on Jesus' identity in John 7:25-31 serves as a mirror to our own hearts, revealing our true beliefs and responses to Christ. It challenges us to align our convictions with the truth about Jesus, demonstrating courage and commitment in following Him, even when faced with opposition.

Introduction

Good morning,

If I was to ask you the question, Who is Jesus, how would you respond?

This is the 4th of 6 key questions Jesus encounters during the 7th chapter of John.

My hope is that, when encountered with this question, we, as believers, know the answer and are able to articulate it in a way that makes sense for people, and even for ourselves.

To recap:

Jesus is in Judea for the Festival of Booths, or Tabernacles. This is an 8 day festival. Halfway through we see Jesus make His way into thetemple courts. he beings to teach, to the amazement of those around. They begin to question Him:

How Does He Know So Much, Who is trying to kill him, and now…Who is Jesus?

John 7:25–31 NIV

At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”

We see the...

1. Mysteries of Messiah Revealed

John 7:25–27 NIV

At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”

To start off we see the introduction of a new group, the people of Jerusalem. They are coming into this ongoing scene and the first think we notice is they ask a question, one we have already talked about. “Isnt this the man they are trying to kill?” See the people in Jerusalem know of the ongoing scheme to take Jesus out. Those in town for the festival do not, so they called Jesus crazy. They are confused, they know about this plot, but Jesus is right there, in the open, speaking freely, and nothing is happening to him. As they notice this, their thoughts begin to shift, well if they havent killed him, if they arent stopping him, have they concluded that Jesus is who He has said He was, the Messiah? But their staunch belief pulls them back as they go, no no, we know where He is from, when the Messiah comes we wont know where He is from. This comes from the Jewish tradition of the “Hidden Messiah,” a closely held belief.

This belief did not come from scripture, but from a Jewish leader named Trypho who argued that the Christ, when he comes, would be unknown even to himself and would have virtually no power until Elijah would appear and anoint him to begin the long-expected messianic era

They are questioning who He is

Have we done this in our lives? We all have at some point, before salvation. How do you feel other’s are handling it today?

Do we seek the truth ourselves?

Do we seek it from Scripture?

Are we relying on the world to define truth for us?

Do we trust scripture as the Word of God?

Do we faithfully believe in it’s asnswers?

Are we truth seekers? Or do we just look for what we want it to say?

Imagine a detective tirelessly pursuing leads and evidence to unravel a complex case. In the same way, seeking the truth involves persistent investigation and a thirst for understanding.

So Jesus launches into his response

2. Declaration of Divine Descent

John 7:28–29 NIV

Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

Jesus again declares His divine origin and mission

We have seen this over and over, do you think it’s important?

It’s important for us to know, and not just roll our eyes and say “yea, yea” but to understand so we can share it

As we see the purpose of Christ it should draw us deeper to him, and in turn give us the strength andcourage to share.

Jesus tells them, you know me, but you dont know know me, is that your relationship with the Lord?

There is a...

3. Contrast of Conviction and Contempt

John 7:30–31 NIV

At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?”

We see the contrast here, one group heard enough, so they went wo seize him, another group believed him.

We must be able to work through the chaos and focus on Christ

They rationalized as they put the works of Christ in front of themselves

We have the whole word of God

Evangelism class by Joe Burns

Conclusion

What was the issue for the people? What has been their big problem? They didnt understand. They thought they knew it all, they thought they would be able to see the Messiah, and point Him out. But they didn’t. Are we willing to go deeper, to be able to stand with Christ as opposition comes. This is not a martyrs message, this is a simple question of devotion.

Devotion to sports teams, earthly things

Willignness to talk freely about simple things that are meaningless

Encourage to join Joe’s class

When we are asked the question, Who is Jesus we must have an answer!

He is the perfect, sinless, Son of God, born of a virgin, who came into this world to save us from eternal death through his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the grave. Showing his power over death itself. He is our Savior, our King, from the Father, and one with the Father.

Do you believe that today? Are you sharing that? Are you willing to try? Willyou join us as a church as we work to equip ourselves for this task?