John 7:40

Many in the crowd are convicted as result of these words spoken by Jesus. “This man is a truly the Prophet!” they say. John 7:40 EFP 

The mental picture Jesus painted for his listeners is not lost on all of them. Some actually get it. They see beyond the fog of their prejudices and pre-conceived notions about who the Messiah will be. They see the evidence and reach a point of conviction, the work of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8)

In other words, these people in the crowd believe. They move beyond interest in this mysterious rabbi. They bypass their fascination with his miraculous power and mighty deeds. They ponder his words and open their hearts and minds to the hidden meaning behind them. “This is certainly the Prophet!” they say. The Prophet. Not just a prophet, which would have been a confession in itself. This is the Prophet prophesied by Moses! He is the Messiah! What a realization this must have been.

What do they do with this information? Do they hold it in out of fear for the consequences? Do they become silent believers? Does the seed land on fertile soil and give rise to the passion manifested on Pentecost? Do these people become part of the 120 people gathered in the upper room spoken of in the Book of Acts? When I come to that point of believing, I am never the same again! I am sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). That’s exciting.