John 7:1-5 -- 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.
What an amazing adventure John Chapter six was! There were some very tough paths that required really confronting some things inside. Seeing the crowd, the religious Jews, and even many of His own disciples turn and walk away was eye opening. Jesus illustrated clearly if you stand on the whole truth, speak the whole truth, and refuse to waiver on it, there will absolutely be a reaction from everyone around.
Today we journey into John Chapter Seven where we find Jesus is still traveling around Galilee, His home area. Galilee was in the North, Judea was in the South (where the temple and main religious leaders were), and they were split in the middle by Samaria (where no Jews wanted to go, except Jesus).
He ends up interacting with His brothers. Jesus was firstborn to Mary through God's miraculous power, but her and Joseph had their own kids after Him (Matthew 13:55). I guess in a way that'd make them stepbrothers? Hmmm... Never thought about that. LOL. Either way, we see in today's verses they didn't believe in Him as Messiah.
In fact, they were pressuring Him to go back South to Judea and show off His works and miracles down there. They tell Him if He wants to be famous go show yourself to the world. Wow...they truly did not know their brother, but they knew if He wanted to be famous, He'd need to perform for the right crowd.
Now, it doesn't say this, but I wonder how much of their advice came from pressure they were getting for being Jesus' brothers. I could see people saying, "Hey your big brother is nuts. He wants us to drink his blood and eat his flesh. Are you guys a bunch of psychos or what?". Again, it doesn't say this anywhere, but I could totally see that happening.
Christian, just because someone is close to you doesn't always mean they have your best interest at heart. Sometimes their advice can come from a place of fear or good intention. Just because it's a pastor or someone you've known for years doesn't mean they're advice or council is God's will either. Now, this doesn't mean to be skeptical or paranoid. NO! Instead, be like the Bereans in Acts. Hear what your brother or sister has to say. Receive it, then go to the Word of God and in prayer to the Lord and seek His input and direction.
Beloved, always get your final marching orders from the Lord and make certain the advice, direction, or input you get from anyone, even those closest to you, lines up with the Word of God, in full context. Then seek Him in prayer and talk to the Lord about it yourself as well.
This is exactly why I always say, don't take my word on this, I pray anything I ever share from my personal time with the Lord, would drive you into your bible and into prayer. Let God guide and show you Himself!
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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