Christian Living
A strong family support system is invaluable in the successful execution of a big project. When Jesus left Heaven to come save humanity on earth, He embarked on a major project. But how much home support did Jesus actually have?
John 7:1-9 provides an intriguing short glimpse into Jesus’ family life. So if you have ever wondered what kind of family relationship Jesus had aside from His relationship with His mother, look no further, John 7:1-9 got it.
While some persons marveled at Jesus’s wisdom and confidence with teaching the Word of God, most Jewish leaders frowned at it. Essentially because many times Jesus’s teachings hardly aligned with regular Jewish teachings and interpretations of scripture. Some other person’s however, did more than frown. They disbelieved Jesus’s teachings, saw it as a nuisance and would do anything to get rid of it. Unfortunately from John 7:1-9 account, Jesus’s brother fitted in somewhere in this group.
If you ask me, it’s probably ‘okay’ to think about strong dislike for Jesus coming from Herod and some selfish Jewish hypocrites, but not from Jesus’ own brothers! Or were his brothers merely in disbelieve of His ministry?
According to John 7:1, Jesus had decided it was best to keep away from Judea. He knew the people sought to kill Him there, however, it just wasn’t the right time. And Jesus did not need to test God’s ability to protect Him by walking into an obvious trap; attending the Feast of Tabernacles (FoTs) in Judea. But His brothers wouldn’t let Him be….
“So his brothers said to him, “You should leave here and go to the festival in Judea. Then your followers there can see the miracles you do. If you want to be well known, you must not hide what you do. So, if you can do such amazing things, let the whole world see you do them.” John 7:2-4 ERV
As harmless as Jesus’ brothers’ proposition may seem, they meant nothing of the words they spewed. If anything, they were being sarcastic, clearly ridiculing Jesus’ ministry. They probably didn’t want Jesus sticking around and boring them with His teachings. They were taunting Jesus; mockingly informing him that ‘his miracles’ were at best, only seen in Galilee. They were saying Jesus was not widely known and he’s not making impact (verses 2-4). He is not popular. The world isn’t feeling what he’s feeling. He’s in his own cocoon!
Yes the Feast of Tabernacles was at hand, but was it their place to impress it on Jesus to attend? Did they understand that Judea could mean death for Jesus? Were they intentionally pushing him into danger?
“Jesus’ brothers said this because even they did not believe in him”
As a Christian, sometimes, people abhor your presence. They make it very clear that they don’t like you. And if you care to check, you wouldn’t find explanations for their stance. In this kind of scenario, it may be safe to keep your distance, but should you give back hate?
Jesus told us to expect to be hated by the world and that is not difficult to understand (…). Do not expect to be accepted by the world if you are a constant reminder of its evil works. But that’s the WORLD. What happens when you feel hatred from within the family? I mean God’s family….from Believers. How should you react? These Jesus’ brothers were not believers right, but they were family. So how did Jesus handle them?
Jesus died for one and all. He loved everyone the same. It is unlikely that Jesus would let His brothers in on all His thoughts and plans (except they were His disciples), but He didn’t hate them, neither did He write them off completely. Jesus lived out His Matthew 5:44 teaching…
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:44 NKJV
So when you feel hated, Love. When you feel used unfairly, Love. When you feel persecuted, Love. When the world mocks you, Love. When brethren ‘laugh’ at you and your works, Love.
Be like God your Father, who does not discriminate between evil and good people.
