What does John 7:14 mean?
The Festival of Booths lasts seven days. Jesus' appearance in the temple is after at least three days of silence. There, He once again amazes those in attendance with His knowledge (Luke 2:41–52). Key to this amazement is their knowledge that Jesus has not studied in any of the rabbinic schools (John 7:15). This would be like a person who has never attended a university discussing high-level physics with a group of professors. This surprise is also tied to the arrogance of the Pharisees. They felt their education and knowledge made them superior to others, and especially to someone like Jesus. They are convinced that their knowledge means they are obedient to God.Jesus will clarify that the exact opposite is true. In fact, a person's willingness to obey comes before their ability to understand truth (John 7:17). Those who "refuse" to believe (John 5:39–40) will not come to the truth, no matter how much knowledge they have.