Words from the Rock
Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. But I have not come by my own authority. I was sent by the One who is true, whom you don’t know. But I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.
John 7:28–29 NCV
Jesus has just been teaching in the temple, and suddenly it seems that the light is starting to click on in some people’s minds. They actually begin to talk among themselves, speculating about whether or not Jesus really might be the Messiah. This is a real milestone for Jesus’s ministry. They’re starting to get it!
So he directs this statement to them. He tells them they are absolutely right, that they have recognized him, and that their suspicions about where he’s come from (God) are on target. His words probably catch them by surprise since they’d been whispering among themselves. It would seem that he has their full attention. And that’s when he points out that they don’t really know God.
Although Jesus is simply being honest and direct, it probably feels like a slap in the face to these religious men. Especially since they’re in the temple at the time, putting on a pretense of godliness. So these men, now angered and offended, attempt to have Jesus arrested. It’s not time for that yet, so despite their efforts, Jesus just slips away.
But his point has been made. Jesus knows God because he is from God, and God is the one who sent him. Once again it’s all about connection—Jesus is connected to God, and he wants to be the one to connect you to God. He knows that without that connection, you’ll easily be misled and confused, and life will be empty and meaningless.
My Prayer
Dear God,
I do want to be connected to you. Thank you for all that you’ve done to be connected to me. Help me to remain connected always.
Amen.
Final Word
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24 NIV
Stone for the Journey
I know God, and he knows me.