This verse, John 7:40, describes the reaction of a segment of the crowd who heard Jesus' teachings. Let's break down what it means:
"Many of the multitude therefore..." This indicates a significant number of people were listening to Jesus speak. It's important to note that it's not all of the crowd, but a large portion.
"...when they heard these words..." We need to consider the context: the "words" refer to Jesus' teachings and claims made during the Feast of Tabernacles. In the preceding verses (John 7:37-39), Jesus declared, "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.’" John's gospel explains that Jesus meant the Spirit, who believers would receive after his glorification.
"...said, 'This is truly the prophet.'" This is the key part. Who are they referring to with "the prophet"?
In Jewish tradition, there was an expectation of a prophet, similar to Moses, who would come and usher in a new era (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Some people thought Jesus might be that prophet. They recognized something extraordinary in his words and attributed it to divine inspiration.
Therefore, the verse means that a large portion of the crowd, upon hearing Jesus' specific teachings (especially his promise of living water and the Spirit), believed that he was the prophet prophesied in the Old Testament.
Important Considerations:
Variety of Beliefs: It's crucial to note that not everyone in the crowd agreed. John 7:41-43 shows that there were different opinions: some thought he was the Christ (Messiah), others questioned his Galilean origin, creating division among the people.
Understanding of "Prophet": Their understanding of what this "prophet" would do might not have perfectly aligned with Jesus' actual mission. They might have had a more political or nationalistic expectation.
Step Towards Belief: While this recognition of Jesus as a prophet was a step towards faith, it was not necessarily a complete understanding of his true identity as the Son of God.
In conclusion, John 7:40 reveals a significant moment of recognition by a portion of the crowd who perceived Jesus as the promised prophet based on his teachings, setting the stage for further debate and division about his identity and role.
This verse, John 7:40, describes the reaction of a segment of the crowd who heard Jesus' teachings. Let's break down what it means:
"Many of the multitude therefore..." This indicates a significant number of people were listening to Jesus speak. It's important to note that it's not all of the crowd, but a large portion.
"...when they heard these words..." We need to consider the context: the "words" refer to Jesus' teachings and claims made during the Feast of Tabernacles. In the preceding verses (John 7:37-39), Jesus declared, "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.’" John's gospel explains that Jesus meant the Spirit, who believers would receive after his glorification.
"...said, 'This is truly the prophet.'" This is the key part. Who are they referring to with "the prophet"?
In Jewish tradition, there was an expectation of a prophet, similar to Moses, who would come and usher in a new era (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Some people thought Jesus might be that prophet. They recognized something extraordinary in his words and attributed it to divine inspiration.
Therefore, the verse means that a large portion of the crowd, upon hearing Jesus' specific teachings (especially his promise of living water and the Spirit), believed that he was the prophet prophesied in the Old Testament.
Important Considerations:
Variety of Beliefs: It's crucial to note that not everyone in the crowd agreed. John 7:41-43 shows that there were different opinions: some thought he was the Christ (Messiah), others questioned his Galilean origin, creating division among the people.
Understanding of "Prophet": Their understanding of what this "prophet" would do might not have perfectly aligned with Jesus' actual mission. They might have had a more political or nationalistic expectation.
Step Towards Belief: While this recognition of Jesus as a prophet was a step towards faith, it was not necessarily a complete understanding of his true identity as the Son of God.
In conclusion, John 7:40 reveals a significant moment of recognition by a portion of the crowd who perceived Jesus as the promised prophet based on his teachings, setting the stage for further debate and division about his identity and role.
