Jesus determined that the plan of salvation He was sent by the Father to complete would without fail be accomplished. The crowd was composed of people who knew about Jesus from Galilee and were favorable to Him, while others from Jerusalem were antagonistic toward Him (7:25). The crowd wonders if the Jewish rulers have come to know Jesus is the Messiah because “He speaks freely and they say nothing” (Luther). The rulers, however, have no intention of acknowledging truth in Jesus (7:26).
Someone cites a popular but misinformed idea about the Messiah (7:27). Their premise is flawed: “We know,” when they in fact do not know. They compound the error with “No one knows,” when the Old Testament is clear that Bethlehem is where the Messiah will come from (7:42; Micah 5:2-5). They are “judging by appearance” (7:24). Popular ideas cannot thwart God’s plan in Jesus.
Accordingly, His plan through Jesus proceeds unimpeded (7:28-31). Jesus speaks to all who are present, regardless of their understanding. Throughout His travels many people have accepted the truth that He comes from the Father as He professed (7:28a). Versions differ as to whether 7:28a is a statement (KJV, NAU, NIV) or a question (ESV, Berkeley, Phillips). In reality, whether verse 28a is a question or a statement, the same result applies: If they do not know Jesus, who revealed God, then they do not know God.
Jesus reaffirmed He is God’s self-revelation (7:28b). His purpose does not include making Himself known apart from the Father. What people may have known previously of God only in part, God is now making known to them in full in and through Jesus.
Jesus reaffirms His mission from God (7:29). Only someone who had been in heaven with God could be qualified to make Him known in the fullness of His nature and actions, so “Jesus is the Interpreter of God to men” (Robertson). God’s plan overrules the schemes of His opposition (7:30). John’s point is not the identity of the aggressors but to show that whoever they are and whatever their motives, God retains decision-making authority over His plan of salvation in His Son. This plan remains in His control.
In spite of misunderstandings and opposition, many accept Jesus on the basis of what He said and did (7:31). They do not seek evidence beyond what Jesus already provided. The revelation of God in Jesus is sufficient.
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
