A Secret Hidden in Plain Sight
A Secret Hidden in Plain Sight
Have you ever stumbled upon a secret hidden in plain sight? Perhaps in a story or message, where something deeper is meant to be discovered by those who know where to look? As a young person, I remember reading a book about spies during World War I, fascinated by their clever use of coded messages embedded in seemingly innocent texts. By knowing what to look for, such as the first letter of each paragraph or every third line, spies could pass along critical information without it being detected by the enemy.
This concept of hidden messages isn't unique to espionage. In fact, we see it throughout Scripture, especially in the order and structure of the Bible itself. God did not arrange His Word randomly; each verse, each story, and each parable has a purpose. The Gospel of John is no exception. Every verse is carefully placed to convey divine truths, often in unexpected ways. And, just as spies use code to convey messages, John’s Gospel reveals profound lessons when we pay attention to the hidden messages in the seemingly ordinary.
What if I told you that by simply looking at the 7th verse of each chapter in John, we could uncover a powerful, intentional sequence of lessons that speak to our daily walk with God? As we explore these verses, we will discover five key themes that point us toward a deeper understanding of Jesus' mission and our role in it. And, just like a well-hidden message, the order of these themes is no coincidence as each builds upon the previous one, offering a roadmap for spiritual growth and transformation.
The 5 Themes in the 7th Verse of John
1. Water and Cleansing (John 2:7, 3:7, 4:7, 9:7)
Throughout the Gospel of John, we see water used as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. In John 2:7, Jesus transforms water into wine, demonstrating His power to bring about transformation. In John 3:7, He tells Nicodemus that one must be born again, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing through rebirth. In John 4:7, Jesus offers the Samaritan woman living water, symbolizing the eternal life that only He can give. And in John 9:7, the blind man is instructed to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and as he obeys, his sight is restored.
Water, in these verses, represents spiritual renewal and the cleansing that only Jesus can provide. It's no coincidence that these verses are woven throughout John’s Gospel—they remind us that no matter where we are in our spiritual journey, Jesus offers a fresh start, a cleansing of sin, and the promise of transformation.
2. Obedience and Action (John 5:7, 9:7)
In both John 5:7 and John 9:7, the message is clear: healing and restoration come through obedience. In John 5:7, the sick man at the pool of Bethesda shares his helplessness, but Jesus commands him to get up and walk. In John 9:7, the blind man is told to wash in the pool, and it’s in his act of obedience that he is healed.
These verses highlight that transformation doesn’t just happen by desire or intention. Jesus calls us to action. It is in our obedience to His Word, taking the step of faith, that we experience His life-changing power. We must be willing to act on what He says, even when it seems illogical or difficult.
3. Jesus as The Way (John 10:7, 14:7)
In John 10:7, Jesus calls Himself the door to the sheep, emphasizing that He is the only way to the Father. Similarly, in John 14:7, He reveals that to know Him is to know the Father, and He is the way to eternal life.
These verses reaffirm the singular and exclusive path to God: through Jesus Christ. There is no other door, no other way to salvation. It is only through Him that we are reconciled to God. For believers, this offers both assurance and a calling to bring others to this life-saving truth.
4. Divine Timing and Purpose (John 11:7, 12:7)
In John 11:7, Jesus decides to go to Judea, even though His disciples are wary of the dangers ahead. In John 12:7, He speaks of Mary anointing His feet, preparing Him for His burial. Both passages reveal the perfect timing of Jesus' actions. His life, death, and resurrection were not haphazard but perfectly aligned with God’s plan.
This theme teaches us to trust in God's perfect timing. We may not always understand His timing or the circumstances we face, but just as Jesus knew the Father's plan, we too can trust that God's purposes are being worked out in our lives. His timing is always right, even when it doesn’t match our expectations.
5. Revelation and Understanding (John 13:7, 16:7)
In John 13:7, Jesus tells Peter that he will understand later why He is washing his feet. In John 16:7, Jesus speaks of sending the Holy Spirit, who will lead His followers into all truth. Both verses highlight the process of revelation: what we may not understand now, God will make clear to us in His perfect time.
This theme encourages patience and trust in the process of spiritual growth. Revelation comes progressively, often through the Holy Spirit and our own experiences with God. We may not always grasp what God is doing at the moment, but as we walk with Him, understanding will come.
One Final Thought
The order of these themes is not accidental; they reveal a progression in the spiritual journey. First, we experience cleansing and transformation (Water and Cleansing). Then, we are called to obedience and action, which leads us to discover that Jesus is the way to eternal life. Along the way, we learn to trust in God's timing and understand that He is working out His perfect plan. Finally, as we walk with Jesus, we gain deeper revelation and understanding of His truth.
The 7th verse of each chapter in John provides us with a roadmap for spiritual growth, highlighting key principles we need to embrace in our journey with Christ. As we look to these verses, we are reminded that every part of God’s Word is purposeful and that He reveals Himself to us step by step, just as He did to His disciples.
Let us embrace these hidden messages in our own lives, trusting in God’s perfect timing, obeying His Word, and seeking a deeper understanding of His will. The 7th verse isn't just a random number, it’s a reminder that God's plan is always purposeful, and He reveals His truth to those who seek it.
Experience a New Life in Jesus Christ
If you have not yet experienced the life-changing power of a relationship with Christ, we invite you to open your heart to Him today. Embrace the truth of His resurrection and embark on a journey of transformation, guided by His presence and fueled by His mission of love and redemption.
The Bible teaches us in Romans 10:9-10 that "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation."
Do it today and start enjoying a new life in Jesus Christ.
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Scriptures for this Bible Study taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), © 2025 The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission. www.Bible.com
"A Secret Hidden in Plain Sight" is a Christian Bible Teaching presented by Second Ridge Ministries
06/27/2025 | © 2025 Second Ridge Ministries. All Rights Reserved.
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