So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?” vs28-31

Even though the majority are in confusion or open rebellion, there is a remnant by the election of grace who believe the gospel, and it will always be this way. God has people that He’s going to save by the same truth that others reject. Therefore, keep on preaching Christ, and do not be discouraged.

Few are chosen. The gospel in the Spirit’s power is never popular for long. Martin Luther mourned the poor results as the Reformation aged. Yet, God has an elect who shall hear! Rom 11:5, “Even so then, at this present time, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” It may be 8 souls who enter the ark, or 5,000 men in Jerusalem, but the gospel is going to reach the appointed target, so we preach uncompromisingly and confidently. We are not on a losing team. Our errand will not fail. All the Father gave to the Son will come to Him by the gospel [John 6:37].

The problem is not in the preacher, though we need more faith. The solution is not in the hearer, because of himself, he can do nothing. The answer is the sovereignty of God, and that’s our hope. Jesus preached the same gospel to all. Some were confused, some wanted to kill Him, and others believed; it will be that way to the end. Aim your weapons at those whom the Father will draw, and leave the saving and the glory to Him.

Secondly, here is the problem: Men are not thirsty. vs37

On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”

Only sinners want the sovereign grace of God. One man hears election, and says, “Not fair.” He is confused or angry. Another hears, and says, “God be merciful to me the sinner.” He obtains mercy. He goes home happy. One man hears the gospel and says, “I’ll obey with all my heart.” Another hears and says, “It’s nice, even true, but I won’t sacrifice for it. I have a high position. I can’t give up my sin.”

Oh, the misery of a tortured soul in hell to realize that I had the gospel preached to me, but I didn’t receive it and hardened my heart in unbelief. It will be the worst torment ever - to be punished by God, when you knew the way of escape, but didn’t take it. Oh, how awful it is.

The sinner, however, will not be cast out. He’ll come to Christ in his need. He doesn’t have time to argue: he knows he’s unworthy and needs mercy, so he takes it while he can!

How is it with you and your soul? Do you want Christ to save you from sin? If so, then He surely will. If not, then you are not thirsty, and that’s why you cannot see or understand. You don’t know the first principles of the kingdom - that you need God’s Son [vs29].

Finally, the Spirit comes because Jesus is glorified! vs38-39

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

It has nothing to do with us. We don’t earn Him. We receive Him freely! He comes down to us by the blood of the cross. Jesus suffered to earn us salvation, and having risen from the dead, the Spirit is given to all who trust Christ and call upon His name [Acts 2:33]. The Spirit shows us Christ, and He fills us when we receive Christ, so that we have joy, comfort, and peace; we have power over sin.