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In our Scripture passage this morning, John highlights the teaching ministry of Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus is well aware of the spiritual battle for the souls of man and how false teaching has lead many away from the truths of God’s Word. He knows that He has been sent by God the Father to the front to teach the truth in order that people might accept the truth and have eternal life.   

His teaching revolves around three questions asked of him by the Jews:

1. Where did you get your education? [7:14-24].

Verse 15 points to their astonishment concerning His ability: “The Jews were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having studied?” Most likely the phrase ‘having studied’ would refer to attending a recognized rabbinical school (like a modern day Bible college or seminary). They knew Jesus had not attended any of their schools.  

Notice the answer Jesus gives in verse 16, “My teaching is not My own. It comes from Him who sent Me.” And then in verse 17, Jesus gives a summary of His message:

A. He confesses His source is God the Father.

B. He challenges them to follow His teaching. God’s will for their life.

C. He’s confident their changed life will confirm He’s teaching the truth.

In verses 19-24, Jesus illustrates to the Jews their unwillingness to accept His teaching concerning God’s will for their life. Jesus points out that they were willing to set aside part of the Law to circumcise a baby, but not willing to set aside that same part to heal a whole person. The intent of the Sabbath rest was for the people to stop and focus on the God who had provided all their needs. To give thanks and worship. But if a situation occurred where a person’s need could be met by other people, the Sabbath rest didn’t prevent it from happening. Jesus said in Matthew 12:12, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

2. Where did you come from? [7:25-29]

As we read through these verses, the group asking the question has changed. Now it’s a group of people living in Jerusalem. They basically want to know four things:

A. Isn’t this the man the Jews are trying to kill?

B. Why are the Jews allowing Him to speak publicly without saying anything about it?

C. Have the Jews accepted Jesus as the Christ without telling anyone?

D. Can anyone really know where the Christ is from?

Bible scholars tells us that the religious leaders misinterpreted the Scriptures concerning the Messiah and that a popular legend of that day led many to believe that the Messiah would come upon the scene suddenly and unannounced. 

Yet the prophets paint a different picture for us: Isaiah speaks of a virgin who will give birth to a Son. Micah tells us where this Son is to be born. And Malachi informs us that there will be a messenger coming to announce His arrival. God intended for is for His people to know the hour of Son’s appearing (Matthew 3:17).

In verse 28 Jesus answers the big question of His origin either with a statement of revelation or irony when He cries out in the temple, “Yes, you know Me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on My own, but He who sent Me is true.” The big question all through John’s gospel is, ‘Do you know Him?’ John said in 20:31, “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have eternal life.” See Him for who He really is!

The primary message of Jesus’ teaching pointed to the fact that God had sent His Son, the Christ, and salvation is found only in Him. Have you accepted His message? Do you know Him?

3. Where are you going? [7:30-36]

The Jews have had all they can stand of Jesus teaching in the temple. In verse 30, ‘They tried to seize Him.’ In verse 32, ‘The chief priests and Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest Him.’ Now look at verses 32-33. This might have sounded like a blessing to the Jews at first, that Jesus is going away. But their animosity overcomes them. I believe that verse 35 points this out, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find Him?’

The answer to their question here in verse 35 is the same as the answer to the question posed in each point.

Where did you get Your education? Heaven

Where did You come from? Heaven

Where are You going? Heaven

And the truth is—without accepting Jesus’ teaching...they were not going to Heaven.

 Remember that all of this is taking place during The Feast of Tabernacles. A festival that celebrated God’s provision for His people through the fall harvest and commemorated God’s provision and protection of His people during the wilderness journey. The teaching ministry of Jesus during this festival was designed to help people understand that God is still a provider. He provides our physical needs and He has provided for our spiritual need...in Jesus.

His message is still the same today, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Have you accepted His teaching? Do you know Him?