John 7:36

“What is he talking about?” The people query, “Did he say, ‘You will not be able to locate me even if you try, and you can’t go where I am going? John 7:36 EFP 

Give the people credit—they remember verbatim what Jesus said. That is the extent of their knowledge. They are baffled as to what Jesus means! They remember his words but they do not know what he is trying to convey. Does that sound familiar?

I often wonder why it is that sometimes Jesus’ words seem so foreign to me and other times they bowl me over like a massive wave of enlightenment. Why the difference? Is it the attitude I bring? Is it the spirit in which I become open to the meaning and not just the wording of a passage? Is it possible for me to read the words and overlook the intended message? 

What the people that day are missing is what Jesus wants to give me today. For one, He promises the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth. But just as importantly Jesus invites me to sit and sup with Him (Revelation 3:20). In other words he wants me to sit down and chat—to get to know him, as a friend and Savior. It difficult to understand someone you do not know. I venture to say that the better I become acquainted with Jesus, the clearer his words become to me. In a day when expediency and fast service is supreme, Jesus calls me to slow down and “kick my shoes off.” Life is busy, but Jesus bids me to enter into His rest (Matthew 11:28). Boy, could I use some heavenly rest about now!