In John 7:28-29, Jesus cries out that they know Him outwardly but not the One who sent Him; He knows the Father because He is from Him John records the moment so that readers may see Jesus clearly and respond in faith. Listen to the text: “Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, “You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, whom you don’t know. I know him, because I am from…”
John wants us to see what this moment means for faith. Jesus’ words and actions disclose Him as the Christ, the Son of God, and invite trust. Nothing here is merely historical curiosity; it is living testimony that calls for belief and life.
Knowing about Jesus is less than knowing the Sender through Him. Hear the cry from the temple.
At the Feast of Booths Jesus teaches openly amid division; on the last day He promises rivers of living water—the Spirit for those who believe. This passage belongs in that movement: John 7:28-29 is not an isolated saying but a step in John’s portrait of Jesus. From “I AM” sayings to the cross and empty tomb, John shows a Savior who lays down His life and takes it up again for His sheep.
A pastoral word for today: Respond with concrete faith. Speak to God about what this shows you of Jesus, and take one obedient step that matches the text.
As you reflect on John 7:28-29, ask what it reveals about Jesus—the Son who reveals the Father. John writes so that you may believe and, believing, have life in His name. Scripture like this is meant to be trusted, obeyed, and shared.
Reading John 7:28-29 with the whole of John’s Gospel in view keeps us from shrinking Jesus to a single role we prefer. He is teacher and healer, yes—and also the crucified and risen Lord, the I AM who loves His own to the end. Let this text join that larger confession.