Mistaken Identity: How to Truly Know Jesus

We've all experienced it. You meet someone, and you think you've got them figured out. Then, over time, you realize you didn't know them as well as you believed. It's a common human experience, and a funny movie from the 90s perfectly captured this idea.

Remember "Mrs. Doubtfire"? Robin Williams played a dad who, after a divorce, dressed up as a British nanny to stay close to his kids. He became "Mrs. Doubtfire," a beloved figure to his children and even his ex-wife. They trusted her, confided in her, and loved her. But then, a comical mishap revealed the truth: the nanny was actually their dad. Everyone's eyes were opened; their perception of who they thought they knew was completely shattered. This story, while entertaining, isn't as important as understanding a much deeper mistaken identity that Jesus encountered.

The Feast of Booths: A Celebration of Faithfulness

Jesus attended the Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot. This was a significant celebration for the Israelites. They gathered every year to remember God's faithfulness. They celebrated how He provided for them in the desert for 40 years. He was with them, guiding them through a cloud and fire. They also anticipated the coming of the Messiah. It was a time to remember God's past actions and His future promises.

During this particular feast, Jesus showed up. The people were accustomed to celebrating God's faithfulness from 1,500 years prior. They wondered if this year, the Messiah would truly appear and do amazing things. Many likely thought, "We've been waiting for this for so long. Is this the year?"

John Chapter 7: A Dialogue on True Knowledge

The people of Jerusalem saw Jesus speaking openly in the temple. They knew others, like the religious leaders, wanted to arrest Him. This puzzled them. If people were trying to kill Jesus, why was He still openly teaching? And why weren't the authorities stopping Him?

Some people started to question. "Could it be that the leaders actually know He is the Messiah?" they wondered. But then they countered this thought. "We know where this man comes from," they said. "But when the true Messiah comes, no one will know His origins." They had a specific idea about the Messiah. They believed His birthplace would be a mystery. They knew Jesus was from Nazareth, the son of a carpenter. This didn't fit their preconceived notions.

This highlights a critical point: we must always question our assumptions. Many popular sayings are treated as truth, but they don't align with scripture. Think about phrases like "God helps those who help themselves" or "All roads lead to God." While these might sound wise, they aren't biblical. The Bible is God's authoritative revelation of Himself. We must check our beliefs against His Word to discern truth from folklore.

Jesus' Response: Revealing True Identity

Jesus addressed the crowd directly. "You know me, and you know where I come from," He stated. He acknowledged what they perceived. But then, He challenged their understanding. "I have not come on my own accord," Jesus explained. "He who sent me is true, and you do not know him."

This is where the core of mistaken identity lies. Jesus has two natures: human and divine. The crowd knew Jesus, the man. They knew His family and His hometown. But they didn't know Jesus, the Son of God, sent by the true Father. It's like the old "Bo Knows" slogan. You might know about someone, but that's different from truly knowing them. Jesus was there to help them know God personally, not just know about God. He was the fulfillment of the Feast of Booths, God's presence made real.

The Path to Knowing Jesus: Belief and Faithful Following

Despite their confusion, many people began to believe in Jesus. They marveled at His signs and miracles. "When the Messiah comes, will He perform more amazing things than this man has done?" they asked. This belief was a response to recognizing who Jesus truly was.

Jesus' arrest was also significant. The scripture notes, "they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come." This shows God's perfect timing and ultimate control. Nothing happens outside of His plan. Even difficult circumstances unfold according to His sovereign will.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Like sheep, we are called to hear His voice and follow Him faithfully. This means more than just agreeing with facts. It means dedicating our lives to Him. We need to focus on His voice, not the many other voices trying to guide us.

Conclusion

The story of Jesus is incredible. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and was resurrected three days later. This is the core message of the gospel – the good news. If you haven't experienced this, we invite you to learn more.

For those who follow Jesus, let's strive to be better sheep. We need to refocus on His voice. We must question our assumptions and ensure we are truly following Him. Recognize Jesus as the truth, believe in Him, and follow Him closely every day.