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John 7 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Have you experienced frustration or grief because a close friend or family member has rejected the Gospel? You aren’t alone. In John 7, we learn that even Jesus’ own family didn’t believe in Him.
The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 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.)
John 7:2-5 HCSB
Many of us know why His family rejected Him. The context clues in these verses indicate what was written in Mark 6; He was too familiar. But there is more to the story.
The problem we often experience is that we place the responsibility of another’s response on ourselves. We incorrectly assume that our presentation or charisma will fail or succeed in convincing others to believe. But this can’t be true. Jesus was perfect and He was perfectly obedient, yet, many people still chose unbelief. Of course, Jesus’ brothers came around eventually, but their initial response was negative.
On the other side of the coin, Jesus’ brothers chose unbelief despite the signs and wonders He was performing. In other words, Jesus was obedient to God and His brothers still walked away!
If we put this all together, it becomes clear that Jesus laid out a balanced approach when it came to evangelism. First, He didn’t chase those who turned away. This was true from the crowds to His own family. However, He was still obedient to doing and saying everything that God asked. He wasn’t careless in His approach. He also didn’t give them a reason NOT to believe. His character and faithfulness spoke loud and clear.
There is a fine line between Godly obedience and human works. We must understand that we are not responsible for others accepting or rejecting the Gospel. We are responsible for the example we live before them and our obedience to what Jesus is asking. Jesus let go of convincing His brothers because He knew the timing of God was not right.