(1) Facing the death threat
(NET) Jesus may simply have been refusing to accompany his brothers with the rest of the group of pilgrims, preferring to travel separately and “in secret” (v. 10) with his disciples.
(2) The ridicule from the younger brothers
v.4"...For no one who seeks to make a reputation for himself does anything in secret. If you are doing these things, show yourself to the world. " 7:5 (For not even his own brothers believed in him.)
Galilee was a small place when comparing with Judea where Jerusalem was. They thought Jesus was someone who wanted to make a reputation. Going to the big city during the festival would be a good chance for such people.
(3) 2 points from Jesus' reply:
a. v.7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I am testifying about it that its deeds are evil.
The killing was not righteous. Jesus' brothers should have defended Him and not ridicule Him.
b. v.6 "My time has not yet arrived, but you are ready at any opportunity! v.8b because my time has not yet fully arrived.
When the time fully arrived, Jesus would be sacrificed. The Jewish leaders would bring Jesus to the Cross. Jesus was not coward and avoided them so that He would not die. He would, just not now. He got a plan by the Father and He acted accordingly.
Reflection: Family should be a place that we get encouragement and comfort, but Jesus did not get that. Because of unbelief, His family did not support Him at all. How about you? Have you experienced that in your family? Jesus understood us.
Jesus was avoiding the conflicting until the appointed time. He was not waiting for the problem to go away. No one likes problems. Even Jesus prayed for the cup to be removed from Him. However, Jesus knew the plan of the Father and the purpose of what He was doing. He told the crowd in ch 6 that His flesh and blood was for them. He knew He would die, but He was still obedient to the Father. Are we? If what we are doing is the Father's will shall we be not afraid?
Audrey
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