Day 52 – Origins

Read:  John 7:25-44

Once again, Jesus' origins seem to be the major stumbling block for many in the crowd. The idea that the Messiah would come out of Galilee was inconceivable to most religious scholars. Jesus hometown had been Nathanael's major hang-up in chapter one. The importance of the question seemed so greatly diminished after meeting Jesus, however, that Nathanael followed Him anyway. Many in this crowd were either unwilling or unable to let go of their doubts as quickly as Nathanael. I wonder what Nathanael thought when the crowd brought up his original objection to Jesus. Did the old questions and doubts come back? Was he anxious to finally hear the answer to his question, "Can anything good come out of Galilee?" Or, by this time had he been so overwhelmed with Jesus that he had forgotten his old doubts and questions entirely?

Most people believed that the Messiah would come from the line of David, but many assumed that no one would be able to identify the Messiah's exact place of birth. There had at least been some speculation that He would be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David (see Matthew 2:4-5). Once again we find the Gospel writer John raising questions of Jesus' birth while stubbornly refusing to reference the circumstances of the event itself. Surely John was aware of Luke and Matthew's historical accounts of Jesus' birth. When He was dying, Jesus had charged John to care for His mother, Mary. By the time John wrote his Gospel, he had probably spent more time with her than any of the other Gospel writers. They must have discussed Jesus' birth and early years. Why wouldn't John mention it in his Gospel?  Here are two possible reasons:

First, John wrote his Gospel later than the other accounts. He may have felt it necessary to focused on Jesus' heavenly origins since Matthew and Luke's accounts of His birth had already been widely distributed. John in no way contradicts Matthew or Luke; he simply gives the heavenly perspective to the earthly scene.

A second reason may have been the widespread abuse and controversies that surrounded the use of genealogies. In Paul's letter to Titus, he encourages Titus to avoid foolish controversies, myths, and speculations associated with genealogies (Titus 3:9). While genealogies were a standard part of the Old Testament and had been helpful to Matthew and Luke in establishing how Jesus had fulfilled ancient prophecies, charlatans also easily abused them.

Jesus doesn't entertain the debate about His origin, but rather acknowledges that they do indeed know Him and where He is from. What they do not know is the One who sent Him. Interpreting the facts of Jesus apart from His divine purpose is never enough to convince people of the truth. Facts, by themselves, are simply points of reference. They are useless unless and until they lead to Truth. The crowd wanted facts but was unwilling to follow those facts to the Truth that was standing before them.

The facts of the gospel must be tied to the purpose of the gospel if we are to lead people to the truth of the gospel. Understanding God's purpose in sending Jesus is equally important to the historic events of His life and ministry. Nathanael no longer needed "facts" about Jesus. Nathanael had encountered the Truth firsthand, and that was all the proof he needed.

Truth of God,

You are the truth that rises beyond facts. You are outside of time and space and yet

You entered them both to reveal Yourself to us. Thank You for entering history,

but not being limited to it. Help me to see You beyond the confines

of my earthly perspective. Reveal Yourself in the glory and splendor of Your majesty,

 that all may know You and see Your glory.

Amen