John 7:28

“Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.”

Context:In John 7, Jesus was teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. He faced opposition and disbelief from some of the Jews who questioned His authority. In this particular verse, Jesus responds to their skepticism by emphasizing His true identity and mission.

Jesus’ familiarity:Jesus begins by acknowledging that the Jews listening to Him know who He is and where He comes from. He had been teaching and performing miracles throughout Judea, so the people were acquainted with Him. This recognition sets the stage for Jesus to further reveal His divine nature and purpose.

Not coming by Himself:Jesus makes it clear that He did not come on His own authority or initiative. He came as a representative of the One who sent Him, who is true. This statement highlights the divine origin and mission of Jesus, emphasizing His role as the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.

The Jews’ lack of understanding:Jesus adds that although the Jews knew Him, they did not truly know the One who sent Him. Despite witnessing Jesus’ teachings and miracles, they failed to grasp the profound truth that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah sent by God. Their lack of recognition was due to their spiritual blindness and resistance to accepting Jesus’ claims.

• Jesus affirms His divine origin and purpose, emphasizing that He did not come on His own authority but was sent by the true God.
• The Jews’ familiarity with Jesus did not necessarily mean they truly understood His identity and mission.

• Accepting Jesus requires recognizing and embracing His divine nature and mission as the Son of God and the Savior.