The Great Blessing

John 7:1-5

“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.”

By this time Jesus had already fed the 5000, walked on water and healed many people, but Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him as the Messiah.  They urged Jesus to go to the festival “so that your disciples may see the works you do.”  They thought that Jesus sought to become a worldly, public figure and they told Him to show himself to the world if he wanted to become famous.  

This has always sounded very similar to me to Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, except this time the temptation came from His brothers.  

Of course, Jesus was not seeking fame or fortune, and did not like a public display of his works.  He told many that he helped or healed not to tell anyone.  Jesus eventually did go to this festival but he went in secret.  He did not go seeking human approval, but seeking to do the work of God.

If we desire the world to recognize us when we do the work of God, then we are in conflict with the life and teachings of Christ. 

But…. it is a great blessing for the world when it recognizes Christ in us.

“And, having become man, he humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience, even to the extent of dying, and the death he died was the death of a common criminal.” (Philippians 2:8)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)