John Chapter 7

vs 32

Abusing their authority to wipe out people they didn't like. We would call it a disregard for people's freedoms and human right. Of course, freedom and human rights didn't really exist back then - oppressive governments call this sort of action protection of security and stability. It is a fair call to say that Jesus was causing trouble and destabilising the jewish worldview. And yes, those were crimes punishable by death, and still are in some parts of the world.

vs 33-34

Jesus of course means heaven. And he is looking forward to a time when it will be too late to look for the savior. Once you have died in your sins, if you then go looking for the saviour to take them away, it will be too late for you.

vs 35

Of course, the Jews again misunderstand him. Carson makes the point that the Jews, who thought they knew where he had come from, could not imagine him going somewhere they couldn't just follow.

vs 36

This confused them, and so they may have thought he meant something different, but weren't sure what. Remember that ideas of eternity in heaven are in their infantile stage in Judaism - they aren't really built up well in the OT.

vs 37-38

Jesus seems to be repeating his "living water" idea. Perhaps if we lived a little more on the bread line, we'd realise how valuable this sounds - never having to go and fetch water.

vs 39

John really goes into some details of the future here, but also explains what Jesus means. He is talking about a spiritual river of live given by the Holy Spirit. Now this is something that was prophesied about in the OT - the giving of God's Spirit to all his children. But it won't happen, as John points out, till Jesus is glorified.

vs 40-41

His words and the authority he gives them makes people know that Jesus is something special. Some call him "the Prophet", others call him "the Christ". But some are still not convinced - he is from Galilee, not Bethlehem (as far as they know) so how could he be the Christ?

vs 42

what did I say? People were switched on. They really want to find this Messiah guy, but they don't fool around either - the Bible does make some things clear about him.

vs 43

Just like people are divided now.

vs 44

Even if they wanted to seize him, they couldn't - his words are powerful and authoritative, almost mezmerising. Not in a hypnotic way, but in a way that they are so new and fresh that you can't help but listen. It's a bit like good science-fiction - you think "ahh, they'll never do this" but then you wistfully dream of flying cars. And then, in 30 years time, you have flying cars and you think "Wow, that guy was ahead of his time".