3/5/11 John 7:1-9

1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want 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 going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.

(Jesus entering Jerusalem Palm Sunday- James J. Tissot 1894)

Thoughts: Jesus knew the more public He became, the more controversial he became.  When Jesus finally did have a public entrance into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) He was killed within the week.  People are always wanting God to hurry up and do something.  But God knows the future and the consequences of doing things too soon.  This is a bit like keeping a secret in our world full of gossip.  When the second generation Apple Ipad came out this week- there already had been hundreds of reviews generated just on the possibilities- but they had missed some stuff because they hadn't actually seen it.  Or perhaps its like watching a fireworks show waiting for the grand finale.  We want it to hurry up- but when that happens the rest of the show is gone.  So Jesus is waiting- for when He reveals Himself He will be persecuted and die. 

Prayer: Help me to wait on you Lord, and to trust in your timing and deliverance. 

John Calvin Abridged: There is no doubt that Jesus brethren (which could include cousins) were excited by ambition for him to become a celebrity. "His time had not yet come" may refer to when he goes to the feast more than to speak about his death.