Light of Life: A Guide to Appreciating the Gospel of John

Author: John / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Demonstrating one's true identity has always been a key preaching message of Jesus to reveal truth to the world. Through the debate over the "Sabbath," Jesus showed the justice and authority of the teachings he proclaimed, leaving the Jewish leaders speechless. Among the pilgrims, the skeptical crowd thus arose with great questions: "Could those in authority really know that he is the Christ?" However, these doubts were quickly linked to their ignorance: "We know where this man comes from; but no one knows where the Christ comes from" (7:27). The identity of Jesus they knew was still based on their worldly understanding. They merely knew he came from Galilee and did not know his true identity—that he was the Messiah sent by God from heaven to save humanity. Jesus repeatedly emphasized his true identity to them, yet they remained stubbornly blind. Therefore, Jesus once again "taught the crowds in the temple," declaring loudly, "I did not come of my own accord, but the one who sent me is true, and you do not know him. But I know him, for I came from him and he sent me" (7:28–29).