Thoughts on the Gospel of John (36) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to him, Depart from here and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see the works that you are doing. For no-one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world. For even his brothers did not believe in him.
John 7:2-5.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (36)
There were three great annual feasts in Israel: the Passover, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles, which was the last in the Jewish year. During this joyful feast Israelites dwelt in tents made of foliage for seven days. The Israelites were once slaves in Egypt; now they were living in the land that God had long since promised them (Leviticus 23:33-43).

Many came to Jerusalem annually on the occasion of this feast. For Jesus' brothers it was an excellent opportunity for Him to make Himself known. They thought first of His followers in Judea, who only occasionally had the chance of witnessing His miracles. The "world", and the Roman occupying forces, could experience His power. They thought: anyone who possesses such powers has the right to use them for his own advantage and the benefit of others.

Jesus' brothers were among those who expected Him to finally liberate the people from Roman imperialism. How surprising it is that at the time, they themselves did not believe in Him as the Redeemer (cf. Acts 1:14)!

A family relationship with the Lord should have its advantages, but that is not so: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:63).

The brothers' flattering recommendation really means: if you do not soon come into the limelight you are not the Messiah.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Micah 4:1-13 · Proverbs 28:20-28