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Sermon Introduction

Some Jewish fanatics continued to search for Him with the intent to kill. Thus, Jesus stayed in Galilee instead of Judea. The Feast of Booths was nearing, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. The Jewish people observe this feast to commemorate when their ancestors left Egypt, then set up tents to temporarily dwell in. His brothers asked Him to go to Judea to display His works. It sounded like a mild challenge or a veiled mockery. Take note that they did not believe in Him yet. They presumed that Jesus wanted to be known openly. Thus, they told Him to show Himself openly. But we know Christ's sole intent is to do the Father’s will.

1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him (John 7:1-5).

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 7:1-13

1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. 6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

Notes

Some Jewish fanatics continued to search for Him with the intent to kill. Thus, Jesus stayed in Galilee instead of Judea. The Feast of Booths was nearing, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. The Jewish people observe this feast to commemorate when their ancestors left Egypt, then set up tents to temporarily dwell in. His brothers asked Him to go to Judea to display His works. It sounded like a mild challenge or a veiled mockery. Take note that they did not believe in Him yet. They presumed that Jesus wanted to be known openly. Thus, they told Him to show Himself openly. But we know Christ's sole intent is to do the Father’s will.

1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him (John 7:1-5).

1. Different Timing

   The Son of God explained that His time has not yet come and why the world hates Him. The reason is He speaks against evil. Jesus contrasted with His brothers' situation, which could also be a veiled response to the mockery.

   
   6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil (John 7:6-7).
   
   

2. Different Approaches

   Furthermore, Jesus told them to go up to the feast, but He mentioned that He was not going to this feast. He would later go up but not to partake in the festivities but to teach at the temple. He would go up privately to avoid the Jews who wanted to kill Him.
   
   8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee. 10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private (John 7:8- 10).
   
   

3. Different Reactions

   The Jews who wanted to kill Him searched for Him in the feast, but He was not there to enjoy the feast. He would later go to the temple to teach. The people had mixed statements about Him. Some believe He was a good man, and others otherwise.

   
   11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him (John 7:11-13).

Application

1. Know God’s Timing

   The brothers misunderstood Jesus. They perceived that Jesus wants to be known, but we know the Lord does not need self-promotion. He came to preach, die, and rise again. It is the Father who would make Him known through genuine disciples. We are living in a time and season where we must keep proclaiming that there is no other name that men may be saved.

2. Proclaim Against Sin

   The world hated Jesus because He spoke against sin. We should preach against sin and acknowledge our guilt, yet celebrate the forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus. If we never proclaim against sin, the world will not hate us; they will be comfortable with us.

3. Believe in Him

   There were mixed reactions about Jesus. What would be our reaction to His words? The best response is to believe in Him because He was the words of eternal life. His words are spirit, and they are life.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Describe the dialogue with His brothers.

2. What did Jesus mean that He would not go up to this feast?

3. What were the mixed reactions toward Him by the crowd?