We see in the Scriptures that the brothers of Jesus were shortsighted who failed to recognize two vital facts. First, they did not recognize who he was and second, they did not recognize what He had come for. His brothers told him to leave to Judaea where the feast of the Tabernacles was to be, since even they did not believe in Him, failing to recognize that the host of the feast was already tabernacling with them. Secondly, they thought that Jesus came to display his works and gain some fame. In fact, they mistook him to be one who sought popularity (John 7:4) stating that no man seeks to be not known openly and does things in secret. Jesus’ work was not to win opinion polls but to win the hearts and souls of all men. Jesus tells them twice that His time had not yet come (John 7:6), that His time had not yet full come (John 7:8). He sends them earlier to the feast and later joins them in the feast in secret, not openly (John 7:10).
What can we learn from this? Jesus’ modus operandi was in exact opposite to that of the world. We do things that we want people to observe and praise us. The extent of our works are often directly related to the praise and popularity that it gains us. We try to do things according to our own schedules and time. We like to be branded as prosperous with power, position, and popularity. Let us pray that we are no longer shortsighted and let us emulate the most popular God who sought not to be popular. The only thing that matters is if we are operating according to God’s calendar, and not our own. Let us seek His kingdom first, for all other things will be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). Let us stop working to be known by men, but by God and if God wants your works to be known by men, He will.
John 7:1-10 (KJV)
1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
2 Now the Jew’s feast of tabernacles was at hand.
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come.
9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
