03 Feb '24 15:44>
It would seem strange that while teaching in the Temple, Jesus tells his own people that they do not know the Father. Jesus asserts that only he knows the Father, God.
Could anyone personally explain the meaning behind this statement? I mean other than what is typically given by the experts.
The phrase "whom you do not know" is indeed intriguing. However, it should not be removed from its context. To truly understand Jesus' true Father, many passages must be considered collectively. Nevertheless, Jesus frequently uses the terms 'true' and 'verily,' often doubling them as 'truly, truly' and 'verily, verily,' especially at the beginning of his speeches. So, in essence, like a 'true' philosopher he's one who continually seeks truth, and questions assumptions. Therefore, in the role of 'the Son of Man,' he explores and elucidates the nature of reality and true existence.
What is out there on "whom you do not know" is something of this nature.
1. Some theologians suggest that Jesus is referring to the Father's nature or essence, which is beyond human comprehension. This would imply that while Jesus knows the Father, the Jews do not truly understand or know the Father in the same way that Jesus does.
2. Another interpretation is that Jesus is calling the Jews to recognize the truth of who sent him. By saying "He who sent Me is true," Jesus is pointing to the Father, whose identity is true and reliable. This prompts the Jews to reflect on their understanding of God and their beliefs about who sent Jesus.
John 7:25-29 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”
Could anyone personally explain the meaning behind this statement? I mean other than what is typically given by the experts.
The phrase "whom you do not know" is indeed intriguing. However, it should not be removed from its context. To truly understand Jesus' true Father, many passages must be considered collectively. Nevertheless, Jesus frequently uses the terms 'true' and 'verily,' often doubling them as 'truly, truly' and 'verily, verily,' especially at the beginning of his speeches. So, in essence, like a 'true' philosopher he's one who continually seeks truth, and questions assumptions. Therefore, in the role of 'the Son of Man,' he explores and elucidates the nature of reality and true existence.
What is out there on "whom you do not know" is something of this nature.
1. Some theologians suggest that Jesus is referring to the Father's nature or essence, which is beyond human comprehension. This would imply that while Jesus knows the Father, the Jews do not truly understand or know the Father in the same way that Jesus does.
2. Another interpretation is that Jesus is calling the Jews to recognize the truth of who sent him. By saying "He who sent Me is true," Jesus is pointing to the Father, whose identity is true and reliable. This prompts the Jews to reflect on their understanding of God and their beliefs about who sent Jesus.
John 7:25-29 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”