Tags

, , , , , ,

Jesus’ brothers go to Jerusalem without Jesus, who secretly goes later; on the way, He draws opposition from Samaritans and sets a high cost for following Him. In the middle of the festival, starts teaching openly in the Temple. The crowd is confused about who He is, and the Pharisees try to test Him by asking for His view of a case of adultery: John 7:1–9; Luke 9:51–56; Matthew 8:18–22; Luke 9:57–62; John 7:10–8:20

There must have been a general idea that the Messiah was due: there was open debate among the people and also among the Pharisees and priests about what could qualify Jesus for the role. Should His origins be known?

John 7:27 For we know where this man comes from. When the Messiah comes, he will simply appear; no one will know where he comes from.

or

John 7:41-42 Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born.

Jesus’ view on this was to try to recast the debate into a more spiritual perspective that included His Father (God):

John 7:28-29Yes, you know me, and you know where I come from. But I’m not here on my own. The one who sent me is true, and you don’t know him. But I know him because I come from him, and he sent me to you.

It’s likely that the people were looking for a strong Messiah who would restore Israel, but they got a Messiah who was more interested in the Kingdom of Heaven.