John 7:35 – “The Jews said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?’”

Extended Explanation

In John 7:35, the people listening to Jesus misunderstand what He has just said in the previous verse. Jesus had declared, “You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come” (John 7:34). Instead of grasping the spiritual meaning of His words, they assume He is talking about physically leaving the region.

They speculate about where He might go. They wonder if He will leave Israel and go preach to the Jews who lived outside the Holy Land (often called the “Diaspora”) or even to the Greeks (Gentiles). Their confusion shows that they are still thinking in earthly terms. They do not realize that Jesus is speaking about His return to the Father in heaven, and that those who reject Him will not be able to follow.

Ironically, their question foreshadows what will actually happen later in history. After Jesus’ resurrection, His message does go to the Jews living among the Gentiles, and even to the Gentiles themselves. The very idea they dismiss sarcastically is actually part of God’s plan for salvation.

Historical Context

At this time, Jews were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. Many lived in Greek-speaking cities, where they had built synagogues and kept their Jewish traditions. Some Jews in Jerusalem looked down on those who lived outside the Holy Land, seeing them as less faithful or less pure.

The idea of the Messiah teaching Gentiles would have been shocking to many Jews. They believed the Messiah was coming to restore Israel, not to reach the nations. The irony is that Jesus was exactly the kind of Savior who would extend God’s message beyond Israel.

This misunderstanding is similar to others seen in John’s Gospel. For example:

• In John 3, Nicodemus does not understand what Jesus means by being “born again.”
• In John 4, the Samaritan woman thinks Jesus is talking about literal water when He speaks of “living water.”
• Here, the people assume Jesus is speaking about a physical journey when He is actually referring to His return to heaven.

Their response shows that they do not grasp the deeper truth of what Jesus is saying.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights a few important spiritual lessons:

1. People often misunderstand Jesus’ words – Just like the people in this passage, many today take Jesus’ words out of context or fail to see their spiritual meaning.
2. God’s plan is bigger than human expectations – The Jewish leaders thought the Messiah would only come for Israel, but Jesus’ mission was to bring salvation to the whole world.
3. Rejecting Jesus leads to confusion – Those who refuse to listen with open hearts often misunderstand God’s truth. Only those who are willing to believe can fully grasp what Jesus is saying.
4. The gospel will reach all people – Even though the Jews in this passage mocked the idea of Jesus going to the Gentiles, this is exactly what happened through His disciples (Acts 1:8, Acts 13:46-47).

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often shows people misunderstanding Jesus, which creates moments where deeper truth is revealed. This passage fits into that pattern.

• “Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him?” – The people assume Jesus is talking about a physical location, but He is speaking about heaven.
• “Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks?” – This sarcastic question unknowingly predicts what will happen in the early church when the gospel spreads to the Gentiles.
• “And teach the Greeks?” – They mock the idea of Jesus teaching non-Jews, but this is exactly what His followers will do after His resurrection.

John often uses irony, and this verse is a great example. The people scoff at the idea of Jesus going to the Gentiles, but God’s plan is even greater than they can imagine.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 49:6 – “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” God’s plan was always to include the Gentiles.
• Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus commands His followers to take the gospel to the whole world.
• Acts 1:8 – “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The gospel begins in Israel but spreads everywhere.
• Acts 13:46-47 – “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” Paul and Barnabas fulfill Jesus’ mission by preaching to the Gentiles.
• John 3:12 – “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” Many people struggled to understand Jesus’ teachings because they only thought in earthly terms.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that people today still misunderstand Jesus. Many reject Him because they do not fully grasp His message. Some see Him only as a good teacher or a religious leader, missing the truth that He is the Son of God and the only way to eternal life.

It also challenges us to trust in God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it. The Jewish leaders thought the Messiah would be only for them, but God’s plan was much bigger. Likewise, there are times when we limit God’s work in our lives because we do not see the bigger picture.

This verse is also a reminder that Jesus’ message is for all people. The same gospel that was first preached in Israel has now reached every corner of the world. As followers of Jesus, we are called to continue spreading His message, just as the early church did.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He extends salvation beyond Israel to all people. The religious leaders wanted to keep the Messiah for themselves, but God’s plan was to offer forgiveness and eternal life to the whole world.

Even though the people in this passage mock the idea of Jesus reaching the Gentiles, God patiently carries out His plan. This shows His mercy and desire for all to come to Him.

God’s love is also seen in how He allows people to question and wrestle with His truth. Even when people misunderstand Jesus, He continues to speak the truth, giving them the opportunity to believe.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse shows that Jesus’ mission was not just for Israel but for all nations. Even though the people speaking here do not realize it, they are foreshadowing what will happen after Jesus’ resurrection.

Jesus is the Savior for all people, not just the Jews. His message would spread beyond Israel, first through His disciples, then through the early church, and eventually to the whole world.

This also connects to Jesus’ ascension. The people in this passage assume He is going somewhere far away, and in a way, they are correct—He will return to the Father in heaven. But they miss the spiritual meaning of His words, just as many people today miss the truth about Jesus.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the people misunderstand what Jesus was saying?
2. How does this verse show that God’s plan was bigger than what the religious leaders expected?
3. What are some ways people today still misunderstand Jesus?
4. How can we make sure we do not limit what God wants to do in our lives?
5. What does this verse teach us about our responsibility to share the gospel with all people?

John 7:35 is a reminder that God’s plans are often bigger than we can imagine. Jesus came not just for Israel but for the whole world. The question is, will we recognize His truth and follow Him, or will we, like the people in this passage, misunderstand and reject Him?