JOHN 7:25–36
IS THIS THE CHRIST? QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS’ ORIGIN
Text – John 7:25–36
25 So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
26 And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
27 But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”
28 So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
30 So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.
31 But many of the crowd began to believe in him and said, “When the Christ comes, will he perform more signs than this man has done?”
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring about him to this effect, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent guards to arrest him.
33 So Jesus said, “I will be with you only a little while longer, and then I will go to the one who sent me.
34 You will look for me but not find me, and where I am you cannot come.”
35 So the Jews said to one another, “Where is he going that we will not find him? Surely he is not going to the dispersion among the Greeks to teach the Greeks, is he?
36 What is the meaning of this saying that he said, ‘You will look for me but not find me, and where I am you cannot come’?”
Historical and Jewish Context
Jerusalem was the center of religious authority, and public debate about Jesus’ identity reveals the tension between popular belief and official opposition. Some Jews believed that the Messiah’s origins would be hidden, while others expected a clearly known lineage. Their knowledge of Jesus’ earthly background becomes a stumbling block. Jesus’ proclamation that He is “sent” reflects Jewish prophetic language, yet He goes further by claiming unique knowledge of the Father. The repeated statement that His hour had not yet come highlights divine control over the unfolding of salvation history.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage deepens the revelation of Jesus’ divine origin. Catholic theology teaches that Jesus is both truly human and truly divine. His earthly origin does not negate His heavenly mission. Belief begins to emerge among the crowd, while rejection hardens among authorities. Jesus’ words about going where they cannot come point to His return to the Father through death, resurrection, and ascension. Salvation requires recognizing not only Jesus’ works but His identity as the One sent by the Father.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 55:8–9 – God’s ways beyond human understanding.
Micah 5:1 – The Messiah’s hidden origins.
John 1:14 – The Word sent by the Father.
John 13:33 – “Where I am going, you cannot come.”
Acts 1:9 – Jesus’ return to the Father.
Key Terms
Christ – The anointed Messiah.
Sent – Divine mission and authority.
Hour – God’s appointed time.
Believe – Trust awakened by signs.
Where I am – Jesus’ divine destiny.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Ordinary Time, inviting reflection on the mystery of Christ’s origin and identity. The Church uses this passage to call believers to deeper faith that goes beyond appearances and preconceived expectations.
Conclusion
John 7:25–36 reveals the growing division over Jesus’ identity. While some begin to believe, others remain trapped by misunderstanding. Jesus proclaims His divine origin and mission, inviting all to recognize Him as the Christ sent by the Father.
Reflection
Do my assumptions limit my understanding of Christ?
Am I open to recognizing Jesus as sent by the Father?
How do I respond when faith challenges my expectations?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are sent from the Father for my salvation. Remove every barrier of misunderstanding from my heart. Lead me to deeper faith in You, that I may seek You now and find You in eternal life. Amen.