Expectation and Tension

Lesson #123

With this lesson we will cover the next section defined by John 7:10 – 13. “But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private” (John 7:10 ESV). We commented in the last lesson that it wasn’t the intent of Jesus to not go up to the feast at all. It appears that he wanted to wait a little while and then go up quietly. He had his own plans and schedule. Those plans were to go unnoticed by others if possible. He “went up, not publicly but in private.”

“The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, “Where is he?” And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.” Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him” (John 7:11 – 13 ESV). There appears to be an interesting dynamic developing. The Jewish leaders were expecting Jesus to come to the feast and maybe do something big, but by waiting and coming privately, Jesus kept them in suspense. The people acted differently than the Jewish leaders. They seemed to fear them because they were not speaking out, but were instead muttering amongst themselves, not quite sure who Jesus really was. Some saw him as a good man while others felt he was leading them astray.

This muttering or murmuring; this diversity of opinion over Jesus is no different today. Since the historical appearance of Jesus people have discussed and debated over who Jesus really is. One thing is certain, no matter how large or small the crowd, God will always have some present who will think right. The Father has chosen and the Spirit has worked in the hearts of those who will believe. These will understand while others will eventually walk away unconvinced over who Jesus really is. Who do you think Jesus really is and how does that belief make you different, radically different, than the world?

The Jews burned with such hatred toward Jesus that they did not permit the people to openly discuss who they felt Jesus was. This hatred toward Jesus exists today and expresses itself through persecution of those who identify through faith with Jesus. Today in many places in the world people are dying because of their conversion to Christianity. Later, in John 15, Jesus makes it very clear that the world will hate us because it first hated him. This hate is clear in central Asia, but here in the West we as believers have become so much like the world that we have been pretty much left alone. I think that might change for an emerging group of believers who are willing to walk with Jesus as we should.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for being so much like the brothers of Jesus and living in the ways of the world and not according to your will. It is so natural to try to do things in my own strength and in my own way. The process of dying to self and living for Jesus has been a slow, hard, painful process, but one of great reward. Thank you for your patience and loving discipline and work in my life.