John 7:1-13
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want[a] to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not[b] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.
10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?”
12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”
Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.
Monday 28th November
1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want[a] to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
It is worth remembering what had just happened in the previous passage before we dive into today’s verses. Jesus had just declared himself as the bread of life which confused and frustrated many listeners. More than this, he stated that those who want life must eat his flesh and drink his blood. We are then told that many followers in the crowd left him. His popularity took a nosedive. It is in this context that Jesus’ brothers then suggest he goes to Judea to build up his following again. Jesus’ brothers think that they know best. They are basically saying – “Jesus this is how you should do it.” How often do we do the same? There are other occasions when the disciples tell Jesus how to act or respond and it never seems to go down well. I am thinking of the time the disciples try to keep the children away from Jesus as they feel he is too important and busy to bless the children. How wrong we can get it. Maybe we should stop telling Jesus what to do or how to do it. How much time during prayer do we spend telling Jesus what to do? How often do we listen? Jesus, how do you want me to respond to this situation today? Jesus, what should I prioritise today? Jesus what are yourplans for the mission? Just because we have a great idea that we are excited about doesn’t mean it is a Jesus idea. We must spend time in prayer.
Tuesday 29th November
1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want[a] to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
Jesus’ brothers have seen amazing miracles performed by Jesus and listened to many of his teachings. But we are told even his own brothers did not believe in him. And these brothers, who do not believe in him, seem to have a very different idea of what Jesus should be doing. How can brothers who have spent time with Jesus and seen his miracles still not get it? We are told they don’t believe in him. Belief is not purely an activity of the mind to agree that something is true. Believing in Christ is far more to do with trust and connection. It’s a posture we take. Jesus’ brothers saw Jesus, heard Jesus and witnessed miracles, yet they still knew best. Anyone with siblings will know that there can be comparisons, rivalry, and fallings out. I can imagine that pride would have been a big stumbling block for Jesus’ brothers to accept him as the Christ. Is pride ever an obstacle for you? Is belief or faith ever a head exercise, or just going through the motions? What would it look like to engage your heart today? What does a believing trust look like for you today? If we trust, we are less likely to tell Jesus what to do and more likely to ask and wait to see what Jesus wants to do.
Wednesday 30th November
6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not[b] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.
“My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” It is a challenge for me to hear those words. Patience and timing is often something I find difficult. If I’m being honest my thoughts go along the lines of, “this is what I want and I want it now.” I especially hate it when something feels uncomfortable or challenging. I want it fixed at the earliest point.
Jesus was concerned about his Father’s business. He had complete trust in the Father’s timing, the way the Father wanted to do it and the Father’s priorities. It is so easy for the pull of other things to mess up our timing. If Jesus’ main concern was popularity or pleasing his brothers his whole ministry would have been a different story. Thankfully, for us, the Father is full of grace and knows we will make mistakes along the way. Afterall, we are not Jesus. But there is so much to learn from this. Do we ever try to push through our agendas? What things pull us and distract us from the will of the Father? How do we make sure we know what the Father is doing and when he wants to do it?
Thursday 1st November
10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?”
Jesus’ brothers wanted Jesus to go to Judea to regain some popularity and a larger following. Jesus refused as it was not the will of the Father. Isn’t it interesting that although Jesus refused, he goes anyway. So, Jesus’ brothers were half right about the place Jesus was to go but were totally wrong about how Jesus would do it. I wonder if we are sometimes doing the right things or going to the right places but doing it in the wrong way. There are several points in the gospel where Jesus doesn’t want to be seen, or where he withdraws. There is a time to stand up in front of the crowds and there is a time to step back. Jesus is stepping back because it is not yet time to be handed over to the authorities. Often, we are guilty of beating the same drum, in the same way, all the time. Especially when it comes down to popularity and success. The world tells us to do more, earn more, be liked more, be more successful. But Jesus clearly shows us there is a time to be discreet. A time to withdraw. A time to be unpopular. But the good news is that we can connect with the Father in rich ways when we withdraw out of the spotlight. Where is the Father calling you just now?
Friday 2nd December
12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”
Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”
People were split about who Jesus was and what he was about. It is still the same today. Thank goodness Jesus was not a people pleaser. Thank goodness he wasn’t checking his YouTube views or Instagram followers. Thank goodness his security came from the Father. People’s opinions, both good and bad, can really affect us. Opinions can ruin our day, our weeks or even worse. Jesus was bothered about one opinion.
Saturday 3rd December
Psalm 25
1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Sunday 4th December
Psalm 25
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Saviour,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
