Understanding Misunderstandings

Scripture: "But we know where this Man is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where He is from" ... Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has the Scripture not said that the Christ comes from the seed of David, out of the town of Bethlehem where David was?" ... They answered him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee." John 7:27,41-42,52

Observations: The people and even the Pharisees know some of the prophecy, but not all. They "know" Jesus is from the region of Galilee, and thus declare he cannot be Messiah because of at least three reasons. Some think Messiah will come from Bethlehem, some think his origin will be unknown, and some think at least he will come from a place that has had a history of prophetic work.

They are all mistaken. Messianic prophesy does day Messiah will come from Bethlehem, AND Nazareth (in Galilee), AND Egypt. Jesus fulfilled all three. In addition, Jonah was a prophet from Galilee, thus proving the Pharisees incorrect in their historical knowledge.

The bottom line is this - the prophesies are confusing, and thus everyone has made their own interpretation by some means. In such a way, any conversation about Jesus' origin could be met with opposition.

Application: How often is the Bible used in this way? How often do believers - myself included - make a determination about what the Bible says, then use that to defend our opinion?

There are a great many issues this potentially applies to in modern society. The solution is to know more and more of God's word, but also to listen carefully when there are apparent contradictions. God cannot contradict himself, so in these areas of confusion is where conflict can arise. In these matters, believers pick sides and either attack or defend with vigor. I must not fall victim to that mindset. It is important to understand the higher teachings of Jesus - of loving others and being a peacemaker- above issues pertaining to nuanced law.

Prayer: Jesus, please help me be a peacemaker. That is likely a word that has never once been applied to me before. I wish to grow into that role. I wish to be the kind of person who sees and responds to people rather than their words and issues. I want to continue to grow is knowledge and wisdom, but then to engage with others through love, patience, and mercy. Please guide me by your spirit. Amen.