Key Verse: “So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples can see your works that you are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even his brothers believed in him.) 6 Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand.” (John 7:3-6 CSB)
Jesus’ brothers came to Him and told Him that He should leave Galilee and head to Judea. The Jewish Festival of Shelters was at hand. This was an annual celebration when the Jewish people looked back and reflected on the significance of when their ancestors lived in temporary dwellings in the wilderness back in the days of Moses. Every faithful Jewish man was expected to participate in this weeklong festival.
But Jesus’ brothers seemed to be concerned with more than just this. In their minds, it was also the time for Jesus to make Himself truly known. There was no reason to fly under the radar any longer. If Jesus was who He claimed to be, if He was actually the promised Messiah sent from God, then it was time to go public. “Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples can see your works that you are doing” (v.3), they said to Him. “Show yourself to the world” (v.4).
Jesus, however, was not on board with their plan. It was shortsighted and lacked the full understanding of what awaited Him in Jerusalem. He knew that a time would come when He would head to Jerusalem, where He would be arrested and crucified. But the time for that was not now. “My time has not yet arrived” (v.6), Jesus said to them.
Unlike His brothers, Jesus wasn’t operating on a human agenda or timetable. His brothers deemed that here and now was the time for Jesus to go public about His true identity. But Jesus was more concerned about God’s plan, His timing, and the reason why He had come. Jesus was prepared to wait in order for God’s purposes to be accomplished.
Part of a life of faith is learning that God doesn’t usually operate on the same timetable that we do or that we may want Him to. The Apostle Peter reminded us that, “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Peter 3:9). We tend to want what we want when we want it. Our perspective is limited, and can often be tainted by our own selfish desires. But God sees the whole picture and is sovereignly unfolding His purposes and plans in the timing and way that He deems best. Our job is to surrender to Him and trust Him to lead us.
Are you operating on your own timetable or the Lord’s right now? Are you trusting Him to lead and direct you in whatever way and time He decides? Remember God’s timetable is always better than our own. He is always faithful. “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26). Wait for Him today!
Prayer: Sovereign God, I confess my tendency to want to dictate my plans and timing to you. I turn from this today, and pray that you would unfold your purposes and plans in my life according to what you deem best. I choose to surrender and wait for you, because you are always good and faithful. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
