John 7:20

Context of John 7:20

This verse occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, where Jesus is teaching openly in the Temple courts. In the preceding verses, Jesus has confronted the Jewish authorities about their desire to kill Him (John 7:19). The "people" mentioned in verse 20 are likely the general crowd, many of whom were pilgrims from Galilee or other regions, not fully privy to the specific plots of the Jerusalem religious leaders. Their response reveals a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' words and identity, coupled with an immediate, defensive denial of any murder plot.

Key Themes and Messages

• Profound Misunderstanding: The crowd's inability to grasp Jesus' spiritual authority or the true nature of the opposition against Him is a central theme. They interpret His statement about being killed literally and dismiss it as the ranting of someone mentally unstable.
• False Accusation of Demonic Influence: The accusation, "Thou hast a devil," was a severe insult, implying that Jesus was either insane or empowered by an evil spirit. This was a common tactic used by Jesus' opponents to discredit His teachings and miracles, as seen in other accounts such as Matthew 12:24 and John 8:48. It demonstrates their spiritual blindness and unwillingness to accept His divine claims.
• Ignorance of the Plot: While the religious leaders (e.g., the Pharisees and Sadducees) were indeed seeking to kill Jesus (John 5:18), the broader populace was largely unaware of these specific machinations. Their denial highlights the secrecy of the leaders' intentions and the general public's detachment from the deeper spiritual conflict unfolding.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thou hast a devil" translates the Greek daimonion (δαιμόνιον), which refers to a demon or evil spirit. This was not merely an insult but a direct accusation that Jesus was possessed or influenced by demonic powers, a grave charge in Jewish society that sought to invalidate His authority and teachings. The crowd's question, "who goeth about to kill thee?", emphasizes their incredulity and their inability to see beyond the surface, utterly missing the hidden machinations of the religious authorities.

Practical Application

John 7:20 serves as a powerful reminder of how truth can be rejected or misinterpreted, especially when it challenges preconceived notions or exposes uncomfortable realities. It illustrates:

• The danger of judging superficially: The crowd judged Jesus based on their limited understanding and assumptions, rather than seeking to understand His message or His true identity.
• The reality of spiritual blindness: Despite Jesus' clear words and miraculous deeds, many remained spiritually blind to who He was, leading to hostility and false accusations.
• The persistence of opposition to divine truth: Just as Jesus faced misunderstanding and rejection, followers of Christ may encounter similar resistance when proclaiming biblical truth. This verse encourages believers to stand firm in truth, even when misunderstood or falsely accused.