It is hard to find what you are not looking for. Most of Israel was not looking for Jesus. They did not attend the Feast of the Tabernacle because they were looking to live ordinary everyday lives. They were looking to get ahead, to build security, family and meaningful lives which did not include the spiritual.

All the people at the festival were looking for something. Most fit into one of several groups. The largest group was religious, and they were looking for a righteousness that came from keeping the law and following the rules as given to them by their leaders. The smaller group, was looking for a Messiah. They sought someone to lead them from oppression into political freedom. And then a smaller group were seeking a connection with God. The smallest group was the corrupt leaders who were looking to use the others to enrich, empower and glorify themselves.

Jesus spoke words of truth to all of them. The religious group was confused and did not know what to believe. If their leader wanted Jesus dead then His truth must be a lie, but if they were not openly attacking Jesus, then perhaps He was the Messiah. The leaders hated Jesus and wanted Him dead but were afraid of those who were looking for the truth, but were afraid to reveal their own wickedness openly. How ever the group looking for truth, listened and thought upon the words of Jesus.

My church background teaches that true theology, (God Knowledge), will stand 4 tests. It will not contradict early church tradition. It will align with the life experiences of self and others. It will be reasonable, and it will never contradict the Scriptures.

Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament. He offered righteousness through faith in Himself. He promised they could prove it by experiencing it. As they reasoned upon what Jesus had said, many in the crowd believed in Him. Their leaders did not lead them to salvation; they were lead by their heart’s response to Jesus.