Meaning of John 7:40

This verse captures a pivotal moment of popular reaction to Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles, revealing a divided and questioning response to his ministry. The statement, "Surely this man is the Prophet," indicates that a portion of the crowd recognized something extraordinary and prophetic in Jesus' words and actions, recalling Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of a significant prophet. However, this recognition was not universal, nor was it a definitive confession of his divine identity as the Messiah. It highlights the ambiguity Jesus often presented to his contemporaries, prompting varied interpretations and fueling the ongoing debate about who he truly was.

Context and Background

John 7 unfolds during Jesus' visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This festival was a major pilgrimage feast, commemorating God's provision for Israel in the wilderness and the harvest. Jesus' teaching in the temple courts during this time was met with astonishment by the authorities, who questioned how he, an uneducated man from Galilee, possessed such profound knowledge and authority (John 7:15). The crowds were divided; some wanted to arrest him, while others acknowledged his miracles and the truth of his words. This verse specifically occurs after Jesus declares, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink... Out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38), a statement that deeply impressed many but also caused division and disbelief.

Key Themes and Messages

• Recognition of Prophetic Authority: The crowd's statement reflects an acknowledgment of Jesus' remarkable spiritual insight and the authority with which he spoke, aligning with expectations of a divinely appointed messenger.
• Ambiguity and Division: Jesus' identity was not immediately clear to all. His words and deeds generated both awe and suspicion, leading to a spectrum of responses, from those who believed to those who sought to arrest him.
• Prophetic Expectation: The reference to "the Prophet" points to a specific messianic expectation rooted in the Old Testament, particularly Deuteronomy 18:15, which foretold a prophet like Moses whom Israel should heed.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage invites reflection on how we respond to divine truth and spiritual insight. Do we approach it with an open heart, seeking to understand, or with pre-conceived notions and skepticism? The divided reaction of the crowd underscores the importance of discernment and the personal nature of faith. Recognizing Jesus as "the Prophet" is a step toward acknowledging his divine mission, but it is not the culmination of belief. True spiritual significance lies in moving beyond mere recognition to a deeper, personal commitment and discipleship.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The expectation of "the Prophet" is a crucial thread connecting the Old and New Testaments. Moses himself prophesied the coming of such a figure, stating, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people. You must listen to him" (Deuteronomy 18:15). The early Christians, particularly Peter in his sermon at Pentecost, explicitly identified Jesus as this promised Prophet (Acts 3:22-23). Therefore, this verse is a stepping stone in the unfolding revelation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies and ushering in a new covenant.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a remarkable new scientific discovery. Some scientists might recognize its brilliance and potential, calling it a groundbreaking theory, while others, perhaps more conservative or attached to existing paradigms, might be skeptical or demand further proof. Similarly, Jesus' arrival was like a powerful new melody in a familiar symphony; some recognized its divine composer and exquisite harmony, while others found it dissonant or unsettling, preferring the established tunes.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 18:15: This Old Testament prophecy is directly alluded to by the crowd's recognition of Jesus as "the Prophet."
• John 1:21: When asked if he was Elijah or the Prophet, John the Baptist denied being either, pointing instead to someone coming after him, thus setting the stage for Jesus' ministry.
• John 6:14: After Jesus fed the five thousand, the people declared, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." This demonstrates a recurring theme of popular, though often incomplete, recognition of Jesus' prophetic calling.
• Acts 3:22: Peter reiterates the prophecy of Deuteronomy 18, stating, "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people. You must listen to everything he tells you.'"