John 7:28 – “Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, ‘Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. But I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him.’”

Extended Explanation

In John 7:28, Jesus responds to the people’s confusion about His identity. The crowd had just expressed doubt that He could be the Messiah because they thought they knew where He was from (John 7:27). Now, Jesus challenges their assumptions and reveals a deeper truth about His origin.

At first, Jesus acknowledges what they are saying: “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from.” He understands that they recognize Him as a man from Nazareth. But then He shifts the conversation to a spiritual level. His true origin is not merely from Nazareth or even Bethlehem—He was sent by God the Father.

Jesus makes it clear that He is not acting on His own authority. He is not just another teacher or prophet—He was sent directly by God, who is “true.” The real issue, Jesus points out, is that the people do not truly know God. If they did, they would recognize that He is sent by the Father.

This is a powerful moment where Jesus exposes both their misunderstanding and their spiritual blindness. They assume they know Him, but they do not grasp His divine mission. They assume they know God, but their rejection of Jesus shows otherwise.

Historical Context

Jesus was speaking in the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the most important Jewish festivals. Large crowds had gathered, and there was much discussion about who Jesus really was. Some thought He might be the Messiah, while others dismissed Him based on their preconceived ideas.

The Jewish leaders had already rejected Jesus because He did not fit their expectations. Many people in the crowd followed their lead, believing that the Messiah would come in a mysterious way, not as someone they had seen grow up in Nazareth.

However, their assumptions were wrong. While they knew Jesus’ earthly background, they were ignorant of His divine origin. Jesus boldly declares that He was sent by God—something that deeply offended the religious leaders and further intensified their desire to silence Him.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important theological truths:

1. Jesus was sent by God – He was not just another religious leader; He was on a divine mission. His authority came directly from the Father.
2. People can know about Jesus but still not know Him – The crowd recognized Jesus as a man from Nazareth, but they did not recognize Him as the Son of God. Many today know facts about Jesus but do not truly know Him in a personal, saving way.
3. Rejection of Jesus is ultimately a rejection of God – Jesus tells them, “You do not know Him.” This is a strong statement, especially to people who thought they were devoted to God. It shows that true knowledge of God comes only through Jesus.

This verse serves as a warning: religious knowledge is not enough. A person can be familiar with Jesus but still be spiritually blind if they do not accept who He truly is.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel frequently contrasts human misunderstanding with divine truth. This verse follows that pattern.

• “Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out” – The phrase “cried out” indicates that Jesus is speaking with urgency and authority. He is not debating quietly—He is making a bold proclamation.
• “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from” – This statement is somewhat ironic. The people think they know Him, but their understanding is shallow.
• “But I am not here on my own authority” – Jesus once again emphasizes that He is not acting independently but is carrying out the Father’s will.
• “He who sent me is true. You do not know him.” – This is the most shocking part. Jesus directly tells them that they do not truly know God. This would have been offensive to the religious leaders who prided themselves on their knowledge of God.

John often presents Jesus as the one who brings divine truth, yet He is frequently misunderstood or rejected. This verse captures that tension.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 8:19 – “Then they asked him, ‘Where is your father?’ ‘You do not know me or my Father,’ Jesus replied. ‘If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’” Jesus consistently teaches that knowing Him is the key to knowing God.
• John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Jesus was sent by the Father for a purpose.
• John 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” Jesus always points to His divine mission.
• Matthew 11:27 – “No one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” True knowledge of God comes through Jesus.
• Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and rejected by mankind.” Jesus’ rejection was prophesied long before He came.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Him personally. Many people today are familiar with the story of Jesus, but they do not truly believe in Him as the Son of God.

It also challenges us to trust in God’s authority. Jesus did not come on His own—He was sent by the Father with a purpose. Likewise, our lives should be directed by God’s will, not just our own plans.

Additionally, this verse warns against religious pride. The religious leaders thought they knew God, but they rejected His Son. This reminds us to stay humble and always seek the truth rather than relying on assumptions or traditions.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He sent Jesus to reveal the truth. Even though people rejected Him, God still made a way for them to know Him. This shows that God is patient and merciful, giving people opportunities to believe.

This verse also reveals God’s love in Jesus’ boldness. He did not hide the truth, even when it was unpopular. His willingness to confront misunderstanding shows that He deeply wanted people to know the Father.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ mission was to make God known. Throughout His ministry, He constantly pointed people to the Father. His words in this verse show that He was fully aware of His divine purpose.

This also foreshadows the growing opposition against Him. By declaring that the people did not truly know God, Jesus was directly challenging the religious establishment. This boldness would eventually lead to His crucifixion.

Yet, through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for people to truly know God. He bridged the gap that sin had created, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the people think they knew Jesus, but fail to recognize His true identity?
2. What does this verse teach us about the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him?
3. How can we avoid making assumptions about God and instead seek to know Him personally?
4. Why do you think Jesus spoke so boldly in the temple, even knowing it would create opposition?
5. What are some ways we can help others see the truth about Jesus, rather than just accepting cultural or religious assumptions?

John 7:28 is a powerful reminder that Jesus was not just another teacher—He was sent by God to reveal the truth. His words challenge us to move beyond surface-level knowledge and seek a real relationship with Him. The question remains: Do we truly know Him, or do we only think we do?