A Time for Decision: Embracing Jesus' Authority (John 7:1-18)
Scripture: John 7:1-21 (ESV)
“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 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. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.’ For not even his brothers believed in him. 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. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.’ After saying this, he remained in Galilee.
But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, ‘Where is he?’ 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.
About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. The Jews therefore marveled, saying, ‘How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?’ So Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.’”
In this passage, we see Jesus' brothers challenging Him to prove Himself publicly during the Feast of Booths, a time of great celebration and gathering in Jerusalem. They suggest that if He is indeed the Messiah, He should reveal Himself openly to the world. Yet, their advice is rooted in disbelief—they don’t truly understand or trust in Jesus' divine mission.
Jesus responds by telling them that His time had not yet come, reminding them that He operates on God's timetable, not man’s. His mission was not about gaining popularity or proving Himself to skeptics. It was about fulfilling the will of His Father. While His brothers are focused on earthly recognition, Jesus is focused on the divine mission of salvation and truth.
As Jesus secretly makes His way to the feast, He finds the Jewish leaders already plotting against Him. But despite the danger, He boldly teaches in the temple, revealing His authority and divine wisdom. The people marvel at His knowledge and are divided—some are drawn to Him, while others are offended and reject Him.
Through this interaction, Jesus makes a powerful claim: His teaching is not His own, but from God. And those who truly seek God will recognize that His words are indeed truth. This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ teaching and authority in our own lives.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Trusting in God's Timing:
Jesus' response to His brothers teaches us the importance of trusting in God's timing. Just as Jesus waited for the right moment to fulfill His mission, we are called to be patient and allow God to work in our lives in His perfect timing. Are you struggling with waiting on God for something in your life? Reflect on areas where you can trust in His timing, knowing that His plans are always better than our own.Embracing God's Will over Popularity:
Jesus refused to seek the approval of others or gain worldly recognition. Instead, He remained focused on fulfilling God's will. In a world that constantly pressures us to prove ourselves or gain approval, we must remember that our true calling is to serve God and follow His will, regardless of what others think. Are you seeking approval from the world or from God? Reflect on how you can realign your priorities to pursue God's will above all else.Recognizing Jesus' Authority:
Jesus makes it clear that His teachings come from God, and those who seek to do God's will can recognize the truth of His words. This challenges us to approach Scripture with open hearts, ready to submit to Jesus' authority. Are you willing to trust and obey the words of Jesus, even when they challenge you? Reflect on how you can deepen your submission to His authority in your daily life.Facing Opposition with Boldness:
Despite knowing the Jews were seeking to kill Him, Jesus boldly went to the temple and taught the truth. This reminds us that following God's will often involves facing opposition, but we are called to stand firm and speak the truth with courage. Are there areas in your life where you face opposition for your faith? Reflect on how you can stand firm and trust God to give you boldness in those moments.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who trusted fully in Your timing and authority. Help us to surrender our own plans and desires to You, trusting that You know what is best for us. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when we face opposition or pressure from the world. May we always seek to do Your will, and may we recognize and submit to the authority of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in every area of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.