“And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” John 7:26
In John chapter 7 there is a great debate among the people about Jesus’ true nature. Can this be the Christ? Can this be the Messiah? Can this be the long expected one who would save the nation of Israel and make them a free people again?
Now, the religious leaders had no doubt about Jesus’ nature. To them he was nothing but a trouble maker who was stirring up the people. More importantly, Jesus was a threat to their power, position and influence.
The religious leaders wanted Jesus arrested and even killed. The “regular people” however, wondered about all that Jesus did and taught. Some even asked, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” (Verse 31) The people were so fascinated with Jesus and all He did and taught that the authorities were afraid to take action against Him.
So, Jesus was free to teach and communicate with the people because the leaders were afraid of the people. In addition to this fear there was also the reality that “his time had not fully come.” (Verses 6 & 8)
The question being asked in John chapter 7 is the most important question of all time. Is Jesus the Christ? This question is as important today as it was when Jesus was walking the streets of Israel. How we answer this question will determine our eternity.
“Heavenly Father as we consider this question, ‘Is Jesus the Christ?’ Help us to trust what the Bible has to say about Jesus and His mission. Help us to put the full weight of our faith in the reality that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Thank you that your Word is truthful and transparent enough to show how the people struggled to come to realize who Jesus really was. Thank you for the encouragement of John 7:31 “Yet, many of the people believed in him”! They believed in Jesus then and we can believe and trust in Him today!”
Reflection Questions:
Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ? If no, what is keeping you from putting your faith and trust in Him? If yes, think back to what convinced you to put your faith in Jesus.
How can we help others answer this important question and believe in Jesus?