A study of John 7:1-13 reveals how Jesus managed his public appearance in Judea, why the world hates him, and the division between who is for and against him.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals how Jesus managed his public appearance in Judea.
After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. (ESV, John 7:1)
Jesus was raised in the city of Nazareth and established his ministry base in Capernaum. Both were located in the region of Galilee. Judea was about 70-100 miles away with Samaria sandwiched in between the two regions, Judea’s major cities included Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Bethany, and Jericho.
The Jewish temple was located in Jerusalem along with the religious establishment—known as the Sanhedrin and composed of Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes. They were also the ones who wanted to kill Jesus which is why he remained in Galilee. It was considered more rural and less sophisticated by the comsmopolitan Judeans. But this never bothered Jesus who regularly socialized with sinners and tax collectors.
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. (ESV, John 7:2-4)
Remembering the wilderness journey
The Feast of the Booths or Tabernacles was a seven day event in late September and early October. It celebrated God’s provision and protection during Israel’s 40 year wilderness journey. As part of the feast, Jews built temporary shelters to stay in during the week to represent the temporary shelters they inhabited while in wilderness.
The Greek word for “brothers” is adelphós and indicates Jesus’ biological half-brothers. They encourage Jesus to make a public appearance in Judea during the feast. Sensible advice, right? If you aspire to make a name for yourself in religious circles, then Judea is where to showcase yourself. Especially when the cities like Jerusalem are crowded with out of town Jews observing the feast. Although you might wonder about his brothers’ motivation, since as John points out, they don’t believe in Jesus at this time.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals why the world hates Jesus.
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. (ESV, John 7:6-7)
Jesus answers his brothers like he did his mother at the wedding in Cana when she told him they were out of wine. (John 2:4) And it demonstrates two things: First, his miracles and ministry were not about gaining attention and fame. Second, he carefully obeyed the father’s will throughout his life and ministry.
The Greek word for “time” is kairos, which means appointed time. Earlier Jesus says his words are given to him by the father.
For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. (ESV, John 3:34)
And timing matters too.
Jesus’ words and actions conformed to his father’s will. And included how, when, and where he spoke and acted. Although his brothers had no time restrictions and could go to the feast whenever they wanted.
But why does the world hate Jesus?
The Greek word for “testify” in V.7 is martyréō, which means to bear witness. Jesus called for repentance of sin without condemning individuals for their sinful acts. How does this work? Repentance recognizes your sinful condition, confesses it, and asks Jesus Christ for forgiveness. And then, rather than condemnation, God extends grace.
And yet, Jesus’ life of righteousness illuminated the sin of others. The one group Jesus regularly did confront was the religious establishment. He called out their pride, self-righteousness, and hypocrasy. But rather than repent and believe in Jesus, they plotted to kill him. We should keep in mind that followers of Jesus who pursue righteous and holiness also illuminate the darkness. And those hiding in it don’t want exposure and may seek to extinguish the light.
A study of John 7:1-13 reveals the division between who is for and against Jesus.
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.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. (ESV, John 7:12)
Jesus shows up at the feast later but he does so quietly. And John notes that people were watching for him. The religious leaders wanted to kill him, but the rest were divided on who Jesus was.
He publicly performed miracles that healed seriously ill people and were considered good. But he also claimed to be the Son of God in human flesh who came to sacrifice himself for the sin of the world. Was it true or not? And if someone makes false claims that lead people away from the truth, can that person be considered good?
Liar, lunatic, or Lord?
In his book, Mere Christianity, author C.S. Lewis says an emphatic “no.”
I am trying here to prevent anyone from saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic– on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg– or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.
Is he or is he not the Son of God? We must individually decide. And to dismiss him with indifference is to choose.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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