John 7: 40-43
” On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.”
Others said, “He is the Messiah.’
Still, others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?’ Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.”
What do we know about Jesus so far from John’s Gospel? He has changed water into wine in Cana. He has cured diseases and made the blind see. He tells people that their sins are forgiven. He cleaned house in the temple courtyard. He has gathered people to him called disciples who are convinced he is someone special. Oh, and he is really good at ticking off the Pharisees.
Clearly, some people believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Others are not convinced. (The Bible doesn’t say what it would take to convince these people…) Arguments ensue. Imagine it is Thanksgiving every day with all of your family and friends over arguing about whatever. Some of the people even know that the Messiah was supposed to come from Bethlehem, yet nobody seems to know that Jesus actually came from there.
Q: Why do you think God made it so hard for people to know that Jesus did, in fact, come from Bethlehem?
I’m thinking God wants us to seek after Him. The disciples believed and it was not contingent upon knowing if He came from Bethlehem.
Coming to God never comes through a pre-set formula or flowchart. Rather ,it’s part of His Mercy to us.
I don’t know that it was something that God made difficult for people to know… maybe the crowds, but any who knew/were connected to Jesus family would have known. Mary’s abnormal pregnancy, the census, family history, and flight to Egypt are all pretty noteworthy. My guess is that the confusion is more due to human rumor/gossip than God’s hiding Jesus heritage. Just some thoughts.
Blessings!