Where Is He?
Learning Objectives
Explain the setting of John 7 and the question, “Where is He?”
Identify the different reasons people sought Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Distinguish between seeking Christ sincerely and seeking Christ selfishly, ignorantly, or rebelliously.
Show that Jesus receives those who come to Him according to the Father’s will.
Warn against seeking Jesus on human terms while refusing His authority.
Call sinners to seek Christ through obedient faith and Christians to seek Him with pure motives.
Thesis
Many people sought Jesus for many different reasons, but only those who seek Him on His terms will receive the life He came to give.
Introduction.
High-profile people are often surrounded by constant attention.
Presidents are watched.
Celebrities are followed.
Public figures are searched for by admirers, critics, opportunists, and enemies.
When a president comes to town, people notice.
Security arrives.
Vehicles gather.
Roads may be blocked.
Crowds begin looking for a glimpse.
People seek such figures for different reasons.
Some want to ask questions.
Some want to touch them.
Some want a favor.
Some want to praise them.
Some want to harm them.
Celebrities are often the same way.
They may spend years trying to become famous.
They want attention, sales, crowds, and applause.
Then, after gaining fame, they often hide behind security because the crowds become too much.
But no one in human history has been sought like Jesus Christ.
From His birth, people sought Him.
During His ministry, people sought Him.
Near His death, people sought Him.
After His resurrection, people still sought Him.
To this day, people seek Him.
The question in John 7:11 is simple: “Where is He?”
The question was asked by Jews at the feast.
But that question still reaches every soul.
Where is Christ in your life?
Why are you seeking Him?
Are you seeking Him at all?
Not everyone who seeks Jesus seeks Him rightly.
Some sought Him to worship.
Some sought Him to kill.
Some sought Him to learn.
Some sought Him for bread.
Some sought Him for healing.
Some sought Him to test, trap, or destroy.
The real issue is not merely whether a person is interested in Jesus.
Many are interested.
Many are curious.
Many are religious.
The real issue is whether a person comes to Christ according to His will.
I. Some Sought Jesus to Worship Him.
The wise men sought Jesus after His birth.
Matthew 2 records men from the east coming to Jerusalem.
They had seen His star.
They understood that a King had been born.
They came asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?”
They were not seeking entertainment.
They were not following curiosity alone.
They were not looking for political advantage.
They came to worship Him.
Their question was sincere.
“Where is He?”
They wanted to find Him.
They wanted to honor Him.
They searched until they found Him.
They did not quit in Jerusalem.
They followed the guidance given.
They came to the Child.
Their worship involved sacrifice.
They presented gifts.
They gave gold.
They gave frankincense.
They gave myrrh.
Their gifts pointed to the greatness of Christ.
Gold was a gift fit for royalty.
Jesus was not an ordinary child.
He was King.
His kingdom would not be like earthly kingdoms, but He was still King.
Frankincense was connected with priestly service and worship.
Jesus would be more than a king.
He would also serve as the great High Priest.
He would bring man near to God.
Myrrh was associated with burial.
Even near His birth, the shadow of death was present.
Jesus came to die.
The cradle pointed toward the cross.
These men sought Christ reverently.
They bowed before Him.
They gave to Him.
They honored Him as worthy.
Their example teaches us how to seek Christ.
We must seek Him with reverence.
He is not a religious mascot.
He is not a cultural decoration.
He is Lord.
We must seek Him with humility.
The wise men did not come to instruct Him.
They came to worship Him.
They recognized His greatness.
We must seek Him with sacrifice.
True worship costs something.
True faith gives itself.
Christ is worthy of more than leftovers.
We must seek Him until we find Him.
A half-hearted search is not faith.
A distracted search will wander.
A sincere heart follows truth where it leads.
II. Some Sought Jesus to Destroy Him.
Herod sought Jesus to kill Him.
Herod heard that a King had been born.
He did not rejoice.
He was troubled.
His throne mattered more to him than truth.
Herod pretended religious interest.
He asked about the place of the Christ’s birth.
He told the wise men to report back.
He claimed he wanted to worship too.
Herod’s heart was murderous.
Matthew 2:13 says he was going to search for the Child to destroy Him.
He saw Jesus as a threat.
His jealousy turned to violence.
Herod shows that not all who ask “Where is He?” are sincere.
Some ask so they can oppose.
Some ask so they can attack.
Some ask so they can protect their own power.
The Jewish leaders later sought Jesus to kill Him.
John 5 records Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath.
A man who had been helpless was made well.
Jesus told him to pick up his pallet and walk.
The miracle should have caused rejoicing.
The leaders ignored the mercy.
They focused on their Sabbath accusation.
They cared more about their tradition than the healed man.
They missed the sign because their hearts were hard.
Jesus identified His unity with the Father.
He said His Father was working.
He said He Himself was working.
They understood that He was making Himself equal with God.
John 5:18 says they were seeking all the more to kill Him.
They hated His authority.
They hated His claims.
They hated His exposure of their sin.
John 7 shows this hatred still growing.
Jesus walked in Galilee because the Jews were seeking to kill Him in Judea.
His hour had not yet come.
He was not afraid in the sense of cowardice.
He was moving according to the Father’s timing.
At the feast, the Jews were asking, “Where is He?”
This was not innocent curiosity from all of them.
Some were looking for Him with hostile intent.
Their question carried danger.
The crowds were divided.
Some said He was a good man.
Others said He was leading the people astray.
Fear kept many from speaking openly.
Jesus explained why the world hated Him.
He testified that its deeds were evil.
That is why sinful men hated Him.
Light exposes darkness.
Judas and the officers sought Jesus in the garden.
John 18 records the final search to kill Him.
Judas came with soldiers and officers.
They carried lanterns, torches, and weapons.
They came as if Jesus were a dangerous criminal.
Jesus did not hide.
He knew all things coming upon Him.
He went forward.
He asked, “Whom do you seek?”
They answered, “Jesus the Nazarene.”
They sought Him by name.
They found Him.
But they sought Him for wickedness.
Jesus said, “I am He.”
They drew back and fell to the ground.
His authority was still evident.
He was not helpless before them.
This was the last time anyone would seek Him to kill Him.
His hour had come.
He would submit to arrest.
He would go to the cross willingly.
The warning is plain.
A person may seek Christ as an enemy.
Herod did.
The Jewish leaders did.
Judas did.
Some still seek Him only to resist Him.
They study enough to attack.
They listen enough to criticize.
They ask questions they do not intend to obey.
Christ exposes sin, and men must choose.
Repent and follow Him.
Or hate Him for telling the truth.
Do not seek Jesus as an enemy.
You will not defeat Him.
You will not silence Him.
You will meet Him as Judge if you refuse Him as Savior.
III. Some Sought Jesus to Learn from Him.
John and Andrew followed Jesus.
John 1 records two disciples hearing John the Baptist speak.
John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God.
The two disciples heard.
They followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and asked, “What do you seek?”
That question matters.
It forced them to examine their purpose.
It still forces us to examine ours.
They called Him Rabbi.
That means Teacher.
They wanted to know where He was staying.
They wanted time with Him.
Jesus said, “Come, and you will see.”
He welcomed their sincere interest.
He did not drive them away.
He allowed them to spend time with Him.
They stayed with Him that day.
Their seeking was personal.
Their seeking was teachable.
Their seeking changed the future.
Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.
Andrew is not as prominent as Peter.
He does not dominate the gospel records.
He does not preach the sermon in Acts 2.
He is often in the background.
But Andrew did something great.
He found his brother Simon.
He told him they had found the Messiah.
He brought him to Jesus.
That meeting mattered.
Peter would become a powerful apostle.
Peter would preach Christ.
Peter would help open the door of the kingdom.
One seeker can lead another seeker to Christ.
Andrew sought Jesus to learn.
Then he brought someone else.
That is how influence works.
True disciples seek Christ to be taught.
A disciple is a learner.
He does not come to correct the Master.
He does not come to negotiate truth.
He comes to hear and obey.
Many want Jesus as helper but not teacher.
They want comfort but not instruction.
They want blessing but not correction.
They want salvation but not authority.
John and Andrew show a better spirit.
They followed.
They asked.
They stayed.
They learned.
We must seek Christ through His word.
Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ.
His word reveals His will.
No one truly seeks Christ while ignoring His teaching.
IV. Some Sought Jesus for Physical Help.
The nobleman sought Jesus because his son was dying.
John 4 records a royal official whose son was sick.
His son was at the point of death.
The need was urgent.
The father was desperate.
When he heard Jesus had come into Galilee, he went to Him.
He sought Jesus.
He begged Him to come and heal his son.
He believed Jesus could help.
His need was physical.
He was not wrong to bring it to Jesus.
Jesus showed compassion.
Jesus healed the child.
The man believed the word Jesus spoke.
Jesus told him his son lived.
The man went his way.
He later learned the child recovered at the very hour Jesus spoke.
This led to faith in his household.
The physical need opened the door.
The word of Christ confirmed His authority.
The household believed.
The Samaritans sought Jesus after the woman at the well testified.
John 4 records Jesus speaking with a Samaritan woman.
She came to draw water.
Jesus spoke of living water.
He exposed her life truthfully.
She came to see her spiritual need.
Jesus did not flatter her.
He did not hide truth from her.
He led her toward living water.
She went back and testified.
She told the people to come see a man who told her all she had done.
She raised the question whether He was the Christ.
Her testimony stirred others to come.
Many Samaritans sought Jesus.
They asked Him to stay.
He stayed two days.
Many more believed because of His word.
Their seeking moved from testimony to conviction.
They first heard the woman.
Then they heard Christ.
They came to know for themselves.
Physical needs can lead people to Christ, but they must not stop there.
Some first come because life hurts.
Sickness.
Family trouble.
Grief.
Fear.
Need.
Christ has compassion on suffering people.
He healed.
He fed.
He comforted.
He listened.
But Christ came to do more than solve temporary problems.
Healing the body is not the same as saving the soul.
Feeding the stomach is not the same as giving eternal life.
Relief from trouble is not the same as reconciliation with God.
The nobleman’s household believed.
That was right.
The miracle pointed beyond the miracle.
It pointed to the authority of Christ.
The Samaritans believed because of His word.
That is where faith must rest.
Not merely in what He can do for the body.
But in who He is and what He says.
V. Some Sought Jesus for Selfish Reasons.
The multitude sought Him after being fed.
John 6 records Jesus feeding more than five thousand.
The crowd was hungry.
Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish.
Everyone ate and was satisfied.
The miracle was a sign.
It showed His power.
It showed His compassion.
It pointed to His identity.
The next day, the people searched for Him.
They crossed the sea.
They looked for Him.
They found Him.
Jesus exposed their motive.
They were not seeking Him because they understood the signs.
They sought Him because they ate the loaves and were filled.
Their bellies were leading their religion.
Jesus told them not to work for food that perishes.
Physical food is temporary.
Earthly satisfaction fades.
They needed the food that endures to eternal life.
They wanted the benefits without the surrender.
The crowd liked bread.
Bread filled them.
Bread was useful.
Bread made life easier.
They did not truly want the Bread of Life.
When Jesus taught harder truths, many withdrew.
They wanted gifts more than the Giver.
They wanted full stomachs more than obedient hearts.
Many still seek Jesus this way.
They want help with money.
They want help with health.
They want help with relationships.
They want peace of mind.
But they do not want repentance, submission, or holiness.
Christ is not a tool for selfish ambition.
He is Lord.
He is Savior.
He is King.
Seeking Jesus for selfish gain will not save.
A full belly can still belong to a lost soul.
A comfortable life can still end in judgment.
Earthly relief is not eternal life.
Jesus calls us to seek what endures.
The food that perishes cannot be our highest pursuit.
Money perishes.
Health fades.
Comfort disappears.
Popularity changes.
Eternal life comes through Christ.
He alone gives it.
The Father set His seal on Him.
No substitute can provide what He gives.
We must seek Christ for the right reason.
Not merely to improve circumstances.
Not merely to get earthly advantage.
Not merely to feel better.
To be saved, changed, forgiven, and ruled by Him.
A person seeking Jesus only for earthly bread will leave when the teaching becomes hard.
That happened in John 6.
It still happens now.
Selfish religion cannot endure the demands of Christ.
VI. Some Sought Jesus to Tempt and Test Him.
Satan sought Jesus in the wilderness.
After Jesus’ baptism, He was led into the wilderness.
He fasted forty days and nights.
He became hungry.
The tempter came.
Satan challenged Him.
“If You are the Son of God…”
He tempted Him to turn stones into bread.
He tempted Him to misuse power.
Satan used old devices.
He appealed to appetite.
He twisted Scripture.
He offered glory without the cross.
Jesus resisted every temptation.
He answered with Scripture.
He refused to submit to Satan.
He remained without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 says He was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
He understands temptation.
He sympathizes with weakness.
But He never sinned.
Jesus had to remain sinless to be the perfect sacrifice.
If Jesus had sinned, He could not save us.
A sinful sacrifice could not atone for sinners.
A fallen Christ could not redeem fallen men.
The Lamb had to be without blemish.
Satan’s temptation was not harmless.
He wanted to ruin the mission.
He wanted to corrupt the Savior.
He wanted to stop redemption.
Jesus overcame where man failed.
Adam failed in the garden.
Israel failed in the wilderness.
Jesus stood faithful.
His victory matters for our salvation.
He is the sinless High Priest.
He is the spotless Lamb.
He is able to save.
People still approach Jesus with testing hearts.
Some ask questions like Satan did.
Not to learn.
Not to obey.
But to challenge and twist.
Some come to Scripture looking for loopholes.
How little can I do?
How close to sin can I stand?
What can I get away with?
That is not seeking Christ sincerely.
That is testing the Lord.
That is pride.
That is rebellion dressed as inquiry.
We must come with humble hearts.
Speak, Lord.
Teach me.
Correct me.
Command me.
I will obey.
VII. Why Are You Seeking Jesus?
The same question remains today.
Many people still ask, “Where is He?”
Some ask in sorrow.
Some ask in curiosity.
Some ask in anger.
Some ask in rebellion.
Some ask in faith.
The better question is not only whether you seek Him.
It is why you seek Him.
It is how you seek Him.
It is whether you will obey Him.
People seek Jesus for many reasons.
Worship.
Learning.
Healing.
Food.
Argument.
Destruction.
Salvation.
Motive matters.
Jesus knew the motives of the crowds.
Jesus knew the motives of the leaders.
Jesus knows our motives too.
Seeking Jesus wrongly will not save.
Herod sought Him but wanted Him dead.
That seeking condemned him.
His fear became hatred.
His jealousy became violence.
The Jewish leaders sought Him but rejected truth.
They saw signs.
They heard words.
They still hated Him.
The crowds sought Him for bread.
They wanted temporary satisfaction.
They missed the eternal sign.
They did not endure sound teaching.
Judas sought Him in the garden.
He knew where Jesus would be.
He came with enemies.
He betrayed Him.
Not every search is faith.
Not every question is honest.
Not every religious act is obedience.
Not every use of Jesus’ name is submission.
Seeking Jesus rightly means coming to Him on His terms.
Jesus said the one who comes to Him will not be cast out.
That is a promise.
That is comfort.
That is hope.
But Scripture also says not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom.
Words alone are not enough.
Religious activity alone is not enough.
The one who does the will of the Father enters.
Matthew 7 warns against lawless religion.
Some will claim mighty works.
Some will claim religious credentials.
Jesus will reject those who practice lawlessness.
Therefore, coming to Christ must include submission.
Not self-made terms.
Not family tradition.
Not denominational invention.
Not emotional preference.
The will of the Father.
Christ is still worthy to be sought.
He is the King.
The wise men were right to worship.
His dominion is greater than earthly rulers.
His kingdom cannot be destroyed.
He is the Teacher.
John and Andrew were right to learn.
His words are spirit and life.
His truth sets men free.
He is the Savior.
The Samaritans were right to listen.
He gives living water.
He saves from sin.
He is the High Priest.
He was tempted yet without sin.
He sympathizes with weakness.
He intercedes for His people.
He is the Judge.
Those who sought Him to kill Him will answer to Him.
Those who reject Him now will meet Him later.
His word will judge at the last day.
Application.
Seek Christ to worship Him.
Do not make Him small.
Do not treat Him casually.
Bring Him reverence, obedience, and sacrifice.
Seek Christ to learn from Him.
Let Him teach you through His word.
Do not argue with His authority.
Do not replace His doctrine with human preference.
Seek Christ for spiritual life.
Physical needs matter, but your soul matters more.
Bread perishes.
Eternal life remains.
Do not seek Christ merely for earthly gain.
Do not use Him as a way to get comfort while refusing repentance.
Do not follow only when the bread is multiplied.
Do not leave when the teaching becomes hard.
Do not seek Christ as an enemy.
Do not hate Him for exposing sin.
Do not resist His word.
Do not stand with those who want Him silenced.
Examine your motive.
Why do you want Jesus?
Do you want forgiveness without repentance?
Do you want salvation without submission?
Do you want comfort without obedience?
Come to Christ according to His will.
Hear Him.
Believe Him.
Repent.
Confess Him.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Remain faithful.
Conclusion.
During His earthly life, many people sought Jesus.
Wise men sought Him to worship.
Herod sought Him to destroy.
John and Andrew sought Him to learn.
Satan sought Him to tempt.
The Samaritan people sought Him for spiritual life.
The nobleman sought Him for his son’s healing.
The crowds sought Him for bread.
The Jewish leaders sought Him to kill Him.
Judas and the officers sought Him in the garden.
The question in John 7 was, “Where is He?”
Some asked because they wanted to seize Him.
Some whispered because they feared the leaders.
Some were confused about Him.
Some were drawn to Him.
The question for us is sharper.
Where is He in your life?
Why do you seek Him?
Are you seeking Him on His terms?
Jesus will receive those who truly come to Him.
John 6:37 says the one who comes to Him will not be cast out.
But Matthew 7:21–23 warns that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter.
The difference is doing the will of the Father.
Christ is not lost.
He is not hiding from the sincere heart.
He is not unable to save.
He is not unwilling to receive the obedient.
The real question is whether we are truly seeking Him.
Not for bread only.
Not for curiosity only.
Not for argument.
Not for convenience.
But for salvation, truth, and eternal life.
Invitation.
Hear the word.
Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Believe Christ.
John 8:24 warns that unless you believe that Jesus is He, you will die in your sins.
Repent.
Acts 17:30 says God commands all people everywhere to repent.
Confess Christ.
Romans 10:9–10 teaches confession with the mouth and belief in the heart.
Be baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38 commands repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
Live faithfully.
Revelation 2:10 calls the Christian to be faithful until death.
Word Study.
| Word | Original | Meaning | Use in Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worship | προσκυνέω / proskyneō | To bow before, reverence, or offer homage. | Frames worship as submission to God rather than self-expression. |
| Sing | ᾄδω / adō | To sing praise. | Identifies the vocal action God authorizes in New Testament worship. |
| Doctrine | διδαχή / didachē | Teaching, instruction. | Shows worship must be governed by apostolic teaching. |
| Heart | καρδία / kardia | Inner person, mind, will, and affection. | Locates true worship in reverent inward submission. |
| Truth | ἀλήθεια / alētheia | Truth, reality, what is revealed by God. | Keeps worship tied to revelation rather than preference. |
| Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
|---|---|---|---| | Worship | προσκυνέω / proskyneō | To bow before, reverence, or offer homage. | Frames worship as submission to God rather than self-expression. | | Sing | ᾄδω / adō | To sing praise. | Identifies the vocal action God authorizes in New Testament worship. | | Doctrine | διδαχή / didachē | Teaching, instruction. | Shows worship must be governed by apostolic teaching. | | Heart | καρδία / kardia | Inner person, mind, will, and affection. | Locates true worship in reverent inward submission. | | Truth | ἀλήθεια / alētheia | Truth, reality, what is revealed by God. | Keeps worship tied to revelation rather than preference. | | Obedience | ὑπακοή / hypakoē | Submissive hearing, obedience. | Connects hearing God’s word with doing what He commands. |
Scripture Interlock Table.
| Testament | Reference | Original Context | Connection to Main Text | Doctrinal Use | Sermon / Teaching Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. |
| Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. |
| Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. |
| New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. |
| New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. |
| New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. |
| New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Old Testament | Genesis 1:1 | God is revealed as Creator. | Establishes God’s authority over man. | Shows that man answers to God. | Useful for grounding the lesson in divine authority. | | Old Testament | Psalm 119:105 | God’s word guides His people. | Shows Scripture as the rule of faith and conduct. | Supports Bible-based application. | Useful for calling hearers back to the word. | | Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 | Man’s whole duty is to fear God and keep His commandments. | Connects obedience with final accountability. | Supports the need to obey God. | Useful in conclusion and invitation. | | New Testament | Matthew 7:21–23 | Jesus warns that not all religious people will enter the kingdom. | Shows the need to do the Father’s will. | Refutes empty profession. | Useful for pressing obedience. | | New Testament | Romans 10:17 | Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. | Shows how saving faith begins. | Supports the invitation. | Useful for gospel response. | | New Testament | Acts 2:38 | Peter commands repentance and baptism for forgiveness of sins. | Shows the apostolic answer to convicted sinners. | Supports baptism for remission of sins. | Useful in invitation. | | New Testament | Revelation 2:10 | Christians are called to be faithful until death. | Shows the need for endurance. | Supports faithful Christian living. | Useful for closing exhortation. |
