Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." John 7:3-4
I am guilty of pushing my husband and kids to perform. I love their talents and too often put them on the spot to play instruments, show off artwork and even do a silly human trick or two. I am proud of them and excited to see the awe in the faces of the audience I've assembled. If I'm being honest, I also enjoy the attention I get by proximity. It feels good to be adjacent to talent and it is often the whiff of success that adds to my collective sense of worth.
Jesus had brothers, followers, and Disciples who were assembled from the "least of these" and not associated with notable professions. Adding to that, they were from a region that didn't typically produce the religious elite. It is understandable that this group would get excited once their Rabbi was performing miracles. He had the gift of teaching and miracles, and with over 10,000 people fed from his previous performance, they were ready to head to Jerusalem and establish their Rabbi as a "public" figure. And Jesus says, "not yet".
Even though Jesus does go on to attend and teach at the festival (without the initial entourage), it is evident that His plans shifted, because he was being instructed by His Father to do so. God was working out His plan of redemption through specific steps and circumstances. Jesus was attuned to His Father and had to reiterate to His brothers, "my time is not yet here; for you any time will do". They didn't get it. It was nonsense.
I feel for the brothers (and likely the other followers as well), because, considering that Jesus could demonstrate such depth of teaching and show such mastery over provision (food), and protection (the sea), why wouldn't he show up to a festival that was all about God's provision and not show off a little bit more?
Verse 5 explains the source of their confusion:
… they didn't believe in Him.
How often have I ranted about God's timing in my own life? In my unbelief, I have demanded that God intervene "any day now" to set things right in our world. I am currently watching my mother disintegrate day-by-day from the cruel disease of Dementia, and asking for His mercy "any day now." There's a list of expectations and corrections I'd like God to address as I allow my perspective to reign in my heart and mind because – like the brothers – my faith in Jesus wants His timing to make sense first.
The popular hymn "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" reminds us to "wholly lean" on Jesus when we are tempted to trust "the sweetest frame." It is understandable to want to rely on our thoughts. There are good plans, well-earned reputations, and even great relationships in our lives that we can put our weight and hopes on. And yet, in Isaiah 55, God lovingly reminds us in His way that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Can I believe even when His timing doesn't make sense?
There is a story in Mark 9 that has always met me in those moments. A father, desperate for healing for his child, cries out, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief [more]!" (vs. 24). This has always encouraged me to be honest when I pray to God – trusting in His timing, His goodness, and His ways, even when it is challenging. Perhaps that could be our prayer today as we ponder God's timing.
"Help me overcome my assumptions and expectations."
"Help me choose your 'not yet' over my will."
"God, I believe, Please help my unbelief."
by Kris Thulson
