John 7:36
What does He mean by saying, 'You will look for Me, but you will not find Me,' and, 'Where I am, you cannot come'?"
What did He mean
This phrase reflects the confusion and curiosity of the Jewish leaders regarding Jesus' teachings. In the Greek, the word for "mean" is "λέγει" (legei), which implies speaking or saying. The leaders are grappling with the deeper implications of Jesus' words, indicating their lack of spiritual insight. Historically, this reflects the broader misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and identity by the religious authorities of the time.

when He said
The phrase "when He said" points to a specific statement made by Jesus. The Greek "ὅτι" (hoti) introduces a direct quotation, emphasizing the importance of Jesus' words. This highlights the authority and significance of Jesus' teachings, which often left His listeners pondering their meaning and implications.

‘You will look for Me
Here, Jesus is foretelling a future event where people will seek Him. The Greek "ζητήσετε" (zētēsete) means to seek or search for. This implies a longing or desire to find Jesus, which can be seen as a spiritual quest. Historically, this foreshadows the time after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection when many would seek understanding and relationship with Him.

but you will not find Me
This phrase indicates a future inability to find Jesus. The Greek "οὐχ εὑρήσετε" (ouch heurēsete) suggests a definitive inability to locate or comprehend. This can be interpreted as a spiritual blindness or separation from God due to unbelief. It serves as a warning to those who reject Jesus' message, emphasizing the urgency of faith and repentance.

and where I am
The phrase "where I am" refers to Jesus' divine origin and ultimate destination. The Greek "ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγώ" (hopou eimi egō) suggests a present and continuous existence. This points to Jesus' heavenly abode and His unity with the Father, underscoring His divine nature and authority.

you cannot come’?
This concluding phrase highlights the exclusivity of access to Jesus' presence. The Greek "οὐ δύνασθε ἐλθεῖν" (ou dynasthe elthein) indicates an inability or lack of power to come. This serves as a sobering reminder that entry into God's presence requires faith in Jesus. It underscores the necessity of belief and the consequences of spiritual rejection, urging listeners to seek Jesus while He may be found.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders and the crowd during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. His words are often misunderstood by His audience, leading to confusion and debate.

2. Jewish Leaders
These are the religious authorities who are questioning Jesus' teachings and authority. They are often depicted as skeptical and resistant to Jesus' message.

3. Jerusalem
The city where this event takes place, specifically during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival that commemorates God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey.

4. The Crowd
The general populace present at the feast, who are also trying to understand Jesus' message and its implications.

5. Feast of Tabernacles
A major Jewish festival that serves as the backdrop for this discourse. It is a time of celebration and remembrance of God's faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' Words
Jesus often spoke in ways that required spiritual discernment. His statement in John 7:36 challenges us to seek deeper understanding through prayer and study.

The Importance of Timing
Jesus' words highlight the urgency of seeking Him while He is near. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with Him and not delay in responding to His call.

Spiritual Separation
The inability to find Jesus points to the spiritual separation that sin causes. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and reconciliation with God.

Eternal Perspective
Jesus' statement encourages us to focus on eternal matters rather than temporary concerns. It calls us to live with an awareness of our eternal destiny.

Seeking God
The passage underscores the importance of earnestly seeking God, as echoed throughout Scripture. It challenges us to pursue a deeper relationship with Him daily.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Jesus' statement in John 7:36 reveal about the nature of His mission and the response of the people?

2. How does the context of the Feast of Tabernacles enhance our understanding of Jesus' message in this passage?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are seeking Jesus while He may be found, as encouraged in Isaiah 55:6?

4. How does the concept of spiritual separation in John 7:36 relate to the broader biblical account of sin and redemption?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to seek Him, and how can this passage guide you in future situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 8:21
Jesus reiterates a similar message, emphasizing the spiritual separation between those who reject Him and Himself.

Proverbs 1:28
This verse speaks to the consequences of rejecting wisdom, paralleling the idea of seeking but not finding.

Isaiah 55:6
Encourages seeking the Lord while He may be found, contrasting with the inability to find Jesus mentioned in John 7:36.

Acts 17:27
Paul speaks of God's desire for people to seek Him and find Him, highlighting the importance of seeking God earnestly.
I GoBp. Westcott.John 7:31-36
One Saying with Two MeaningsA. Maclaren, D. D.John 7:31-36
Resisting the Light Will Prove Our UndoingBiblical MuseumJohn 7:31-36
Seeking in VainT. Mahon.John 7:31-36
The Boldness of ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 7:31-36
The Coming of the BailiffsT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 7:31-36
The Favourably Disposed, and the Malignantly Opposed to ChristD. Thomas, D. D.John 7:31-36
The Imperilled Condition of the Impenitent SinnerW. Hay Aitken., Bp. Westcott.John 7:31-36
Those Who Refuse Christ When Offered May Soon Seek Him in VainJ. East.John 7:31-36
While Christ is Near We Must Cry to Him for PardonMoody.John 7:31-36
People
David, Jerusalemites, Jesus, Nicodemus
Places
Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea
Topics
Able, Can't, Manner, Mean, Saying, Seek, Statement, Thither, Won't
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 7:25-43

     7712   convincing

John 7:32-49

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Library
September 13 Morning
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.--JOHN 7:37. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.--O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is; to see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat;
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 9 Morning
Never man spake like this man.--JOHN 7:46. Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.--The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.--His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend. All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.--He taught them as one having
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 30 Evening
Nicodemus . . . he that came to Jesus by night.--JOHN 7:50. Peter followed him afar off.--Among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.--The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.--A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

One Saying with Two Meanings
'Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto Him that sent Me. 34. Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.'--JOHN vii. 33, 34. 'Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me; and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.'--JOHN xiii. 33. No greater contrast can be conceived than that between these two groups to whom such singularly similar words were addressed. The
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Rock and the Water
'In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. 38. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.'--JOHN vii. 37,38. The occasion and date of this great saying are carefully given by the Evangelist, because they throw much light on its significance and importance. It was 'on the last day, that great day of the Feast,' that 'Jesus stood and cried.' The Feast
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Fifteenth Day. The Holy Spirit.
But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him were to receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet: because Jesus was not yet glorified.'--John vii. 39. 'The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.'--John xiv. 26. 'God chose you to salvation in sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 13. (See 1 Pet. i. 2.) It has sometimes been said, that while the Holiness of God stands out more prominently
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Transfiguration: an Emergency Measure. Matthew 16:28-17:1-8. Mark 9:1-8. Luke 9:27-36.
God in Sore Straits: the darkest hour save one, fugitive, John 7:1. ban, John 9:22, 34. pushing, Matthew 15:1. Mark 7:1.--the danger zone, "withdrew," Matthew 4:12. 12:15. 14:13. 15:21. Tabernacles, John 7:32. 8:59.--Galileans desert, John 6:60-66.--the inner circle infected, John 6:67-71.--God needs men. Fire and anvil for Leaders: mental strength--seasoned leadership--Simon and Peter. An Irresistible Plan: alone with the twelve--the changed plan, Matthew 16:18-21.--Peter's stupid boldness,
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said that He was not Going up unto the Feast, and Notwithstanding Went
1. I Purpose by the Lord's assistance to treat of this section [3961] of the Gospel which has just been read; nor is there a little difficulty here, lest the truth be endangered, and falsehood glory. Not that either the truth can perish, nor falsehood triumph. Now hearken for a while what difficulty this lesson has; and being made attentive by the propounding of the difficulty, pray that I may be sufficient for its solution. "The Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand;" [3962] these it seems are
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 10 "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then thou shalt see clearly to
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

"Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory"
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Author's Preface.
I did not write this little work with the thought of its being given to the public. It was prepared for the help of a few Christians who were desirous of loving God with the whole heart. But so many have requested copies of it, because of the benefit they have derived from its perusal, that I have been asked to publish it. I have left it in its natural simplicity. I do not condemn the opinions of any: on the contrary, I esteem those which are held by others, and submit all that I have written to
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection.
6. and lastly, Let us consider the intrinsick absurdities, and incredibilities of the several stories of these three miracles, p. 36.--As to Jairus's daughter, and her resurrection from the dead, St. Hilary [13] hints, that there was no such person as Jairus;--and he gives this reason, and a good reason it is, why he thought so, because it is elsewhere intimated in the gospel that none of the rulers of the synagogues confessedly believ'd on Jesus, John vii. 48. and xii. 42. St. John's words in the
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Want of Universality in the Knowledge and Reception of Christianity, and of Greater Clearness in the Evidence.
Or, a Revelation which really came from God, the proof, it has been said, would in all ages be so public and manifest, that no part of the human species would remain ignorant of it, no understanding could fail of being convinced by it. The advocates of Christianity do not pretend that the evidence of their religion possesses these qualities. They do not deny that we can conceive it to be within the compass of divine power to have communicated to the World a higher degree of assurance, and to have
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Our Historical Scriptures were Attacked by the Early Adversaries of Christianity...
Our historical Scriptures were attacked by the early adversaries of Christianity, as containing the accounts upon which the Religion was founded. Near the middle of the second century, Celsus, a heathen philosopher, wrote a professed treatise against Christianity. To this treatise Origen, who came about fifty years after him, published an answer, in which he frequently recites his adversary's words and arguments. The work of Celsus is lost; but that of Origen remains. Origen appears to have given
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

Rejection of Christianity.
We acknowledge that the Christian religion, although it converted great numbers, did not produce an universal, or even a general conviction in the minds of men of the age and countries in which it appeared. And this want of a more complete and extensive success is called the rejection of the Christian history and miracles; and has been thought by some to form a strong objection to the reality of the facts which the history contains. The matter of the objection divides itself into two parts; as it
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Brothers Advise Him to Go to Jerusalem.
(Galilee, Probably Capernaum.) ^D John VII. 2-9. ^d 2 Now the feast of the Jews, the feast of tabernacles, was at hand. [The first verse of this chapter tells us that Jesus kept away from Judæa because the Jews sought for his life. See page 393. This keeping away or seclusion began at the Passover season, and led Jesus not only to keep away from Judæa, but even to hover upon the outskirts of Galilee itself. This seclusion is described in Sections LXV.-LXXI. We now turn back to take up
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Story of the Adulteress.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John VII. 53-VIII. 11. [This section is wanting in nearly all older manuscripts, but Jerome (a.d. 346-420) says that in his time it was contained in "many Greek and Latin manuscripts," and these must have been as good or better than the best manuscripts we now possess. But whether we regard it as part of John's narrative or not, scholars very generally accept it as a genuine piece of history.] ^d 53 And they went every man unto his own house [confused by the question of Nicodemus,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How to Know the Will of God
"If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God."--JOHN vii. 17. THERE is an experience which becomes more and more familiar to every one who is trying to follow Christ--a feeling of the growing loneliness of his Christian life. It comes from a sense of the peculiarly personal interest which Christ takes in him, which sometimes seems so strong as almost to make him feel that his life is being detached from all the other lives around him, that it is being drawn out
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
IT was the last, the great day of the Feast,' and Jesus was once more in the Temple. We can scarcely doubt that it was the concluding day of the Feast, and not, as most modern writers suppose, its Octave, which, in Rabbinic language, was regarded as a festival by itself.' [3987] [3988] But such solemn interest attaches to the Feast, and this occurrence on its last day, that we must try to realise the scene. We have here the only Old Testament type yet unfilfilled; the only Jewish festival which has
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last Part of the Gospel-Narratives - First Incidents by the Way.
THE part in the Evangelic History which we have now reached has this peculiarity and difficulty, that the events are now recorded by only one of the Evangelists. The section in St. Luke's Gospel from chapter ix. 51 to chapter xviii. 14 stands absolutely alone. From the circumstance that St. Luke omits throughout his narrative all notation of time or place, the difficulty of arranging here the chronological succession of events is so great, that we can only suggest what seems most probable, without
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
IT was Chol ha Moed - as the non-sacred part of the festive week, the half-holy days were called. [3949] Jerusalem, the City of Solemnities, the City of Palaces, the City of beauty and glory, wore quite another than its usual aspect; other, even, than when its streets were thronged by festive pilgrims during the Passover-week, or at Pentecost. For this was pre-eminently the Feast for foreign pilgrims, coming from the farthest distance, whose Temple-contributions were then received and counted. [3950]
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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