John 7:25-52


"Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, 'Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 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? But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from.' So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, 'You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.' So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, 'When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?' The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. Jesus then said, 'I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.' The Jews said to one another, 'Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? What does he mean by saying, "You will seek me and you will not find me," and, "Where I am you cannot come"?' On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." (John 7:25-39 ESV)


The Growing Controversy Over Jesus

In John 7:25-39, we witness the growing tension surrounding Jesus' identity. The people of Jerusalem were divided: some believed Jesus might indeed be the Christ because of His miracles, while others doubted because they thought they knew where He came from. Jesus' response reveals the deeper truth of His divine origin—He was sent by God the Father. Though the people thought they knew His earthly background, they were blind to His true heavenly identity.

Jesus boldly declared that He was sent by God and that His mission was divinely ordained. This declaration made clear that the people’s confusion stemmed from their lack of spiritual understanding. Their earthly focus blinded them to the heavenly reality. This passage challenges us to look beyond what we perceive with our natural eyes and to seek the truth that only the Holy Spirit can reveal. Knowing Christ is not about intellectual understanding alone, but about spiritual revelation, which comes by faith and the work of the Spirit.

Scriptures to Study:

John 6:44-46, Matthew 16:16-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, John 8:23-24


Jesus, the Source of Living Water

Jesus' proclamation on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles is one of the most profound invitations in Scripture: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" (v. 37). This invitation speaks to the deep spiritual thirst that every person experiences. Jesus offers Himself as the source of "living water," referring to the indwelling Holy Spirit who would be given after His glorification. The Holy Spirit is the living presence of God within every believer, continually refreshing, empowering, and transforming us.

This living water, the Holy Spirit, flows from within believers, bringing life and renewal. It is not a stagnant source, but a dynamic, ever-flowing presence that enables us to live in communion with God and serve others. As disciples of Christ, we must continually come to Jesus to be filled with this living water, relying on the Holy Spirit to sustain us in our walk of faith. The Spirit empowers us to live godly lives, bear spiritual fruit, and minister to others in the power of Christ.

Scriptures to Study:

Isaiah 55:1-3, John 4:13-14, Revelation 22:1, Ezekiel 47:1-9


Division and Confusion About Christ

In verses 40-52, we see how Jesus' words and actions led to division among the people. Some declared Him to be the Prophet or the Christ, while others rejected Him, citing misunderstandings about His origins. The religious leaders, who were threatened by Jesus' influence, sought to arrest Him but were confounded by His wisdom and authority. Even the temple officers sent to arrest Jesus were awestruck, declaring, "No one ever spoke like this man!" (v. 46).

The division surrounding Jesus highlights the spiritual blindness of those who reject Him. Despite clear evidence of His divine power and authority, many refused to believe because of their hardened hearts and preconceived notions. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we open to the truth of Christ, or do we allow our pride, traditions, or limited understanding to keep us from fully embracing Him as Lord? True discipleship requires humility, surrender, and a willingness to receive Jesus as He is, not as we want Him to be.

Scriptures to Study:

John 3:18-21, Matthew 13:54-58, Luke 4:28-30, 1 Corinthians 1:18-24


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions