Where we come from impacts every aspect of our life. It shapes the way others view us and it influences out view of ourselves. The influence of our origins can be both positive or negative. This is true now and it was true when Jesus spoke at the festival.

It was clear to most that Jesus was from Galilee. He spoke, and dressed like a Galilean. His family was known in Galilee. His close chosen followers were from Galilee. Many who listened to Jesus were prejudiced against Galileans. They believed the old tradition that said nothing good could come out of Galilee. Galileans were believed to be ignorant, (uneducated), unsophisticated and hot tempered. Because of where they believed Jesus was from, they were unwilling to give His teachings an honest hearing. They heard but did not listen.

Some of the Jews who had training in scripture knew that the Messiah would come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem. At just the correct point in time in human history God had worked. God used the Roman census to have Jesus born in Bethlehem, and they did not know this. They also did not know Jesus was a decedent of David. Because of their lack of knowledge they rejected Jesus.

The Jewish leaders did not care where Jesus was from. They were from privilege, wealth, and power. They were not going to let Jesus stand in they way.

Where was Jesus from? He was from Galilee, and He was from Bethlehem, but most importantly He was from the Father. Those who limited Jesus to an earthly origin were unable to believe. It is impossible to be restored to right relationship with God if you believe Jesus is only a man.

Faith in Jesus changes everything. Jesus has gone where we cannot yet go, but just as He promised, we have the Holy Spirit with us. We have always known where we came from, but now we know where we are going; we are going to be with Jesus.