When the Pharisees heard that the crowds were whispering such things, they and the leading priests sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus.

But Jesus told them,

"I will be with you only a little longer. 

Then I will return to the one who sent me.

You will search for me but not find me. And you cannot go where I am going."

The Jewish leaders were puzzled by this statement. 

"Where is he planning to go?" they asked.

"Is he thinking of leaving the country and going to the Jews in other lands? Maybe he will even teach the Greeks! What does he mean when he says, 'You will search for me but not find me, and You cannot go where I am going'?"

John 7:32-36 NLT

The leaders didn't like people listening to Jesus, and they did not get him at all. 

They heard at least some of his words but they didn't want to hear what he said through his claim to being the Messiah.

They didn't want to see the real Jesus.

They preferred their own version.

And I have to be careful not to do the same thing.  Even though we have the New Testament and we know where Jesus was going, I still want Jesus to fit my mould.

To fix my stuff.

To do what I want.

It's easy to forget that while he came as a servant, that he is a friend, he is also the Creator, Lord, King, worthy of all honour, Jesus who asked uncomfortable questions, who asks us to believe in him, and to follow him. 

Let's not lose sight of the real Jesus. 

#gospelofjohn

#somethingtochewon