HOST: Michael Whitworth
SPONSOR: Logos Bible Software
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
Jesus’ time had not yet come. He had made the decision to stay in Galilee and not go to Judea because of the determination of the Jews to kill Him. It was not that He was afraid to die, for that was His ultimate purpose. Rather, He did not want the hostility of the Jews to hinder His mission. Prudence demanded that Jesus proceed carefully. On that backdrop, Jesus’ earthly brothers make a rare appearance in the gospel account. They are not yet believers in Christ and come to Him, tempting and taunting Him to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. Their challenge to Him is essentially this: “If you are who you claim to be and desire for people to follow you, then go where the people are. You cannot gain followers by hiding.” It occurs to me that people still try to tempt and taunt Christ into giving in to their demands, wanting some show of proof before giving themselves to Him. But just as Jesus was on this occasion, He continues to be constant and uncompromising with us. He gave His all for us and has made clear what He expects if we are to follow after Him. May we be willing to believe in Him and submit to His will for our lives.
Why do you think that Jesus’ brothers had such a difficult time believing in Him?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!