July 11, 2018
John 7:1-11 The Message (MSG)
Embarrassment is an awkward and sometimes uncomfortable feeling, isn’t it? It can be associated with our personal actions or with the verbalizations and actions of those whom we care about; people with whom we have relationship. Let’s be real; some people have a way of placing us in socially awkward situations. How good are you at masking your feelings when you find yourself put in a situation that embarrasses you? Do you try to pretend that you are not bothered by skirting the issue or redirecting the attention?
In our lesson today, Jesus’ brothers are embarrassed by him, so they try to push him into making more public displays in order to draw attention away from themselves (family) and onto “that man” Jesus. Yet, Jesus does not allow himself to be pushed to do things in his own strength. He speaks the truth about his ability and mission to expose evil pretending to be righteous; hypocrisy.
John 7:1-11
7 1-2 Later Jesus was going about his business in Galilee. He didn’t want to travel in Judea because the Jews there were looking for a chance to kill him. It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews.
3-5 His brothers said, “Why don’t you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you’re serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world.” His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn’t believe in him either.
6-8 Jesus came back at them, “Don’t crowd me. This isn’t my time. It’s your time—it’s always your time; you have nothing to lose. The world has nothing against you, but it’s up in arms against me. It’s against me because I expose the evil behind its pretensions. You go ahead, go up to the Feast. Don’t wait for me. I’m not ready. It’s not the right time for me.”
9-11 He said this and stayed on in Galilee. But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself. The Jews were already out looking for him, asking around, “Where is that man?”
Prayer: Lord, I am proud of the work you have done in my life; I believe only you could have accomplished it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.