This is another verse that attracts attention. In fact the verses around it are curious to say the least.
and Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where Your followers can see Your miracles! You can’t become famous if You hide like this! If You can do such wonderful things, show Yourself to the world!” For even His brothers didn’t believe in Him.
Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for Me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can’t hate you, but it does hate Me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because My time has not yet come.”
After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after His brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. MSG
John 7:3-10
On the face of it seems Jesus was being less than truthful. I.e. he was lying. That is the conclusion the critics come to. This is a favourite verse of Bible critics.
What do you make of it? Use all the resources at your disposal to answer their challenge. Answer next Gem. But take note of the continuing “believe” theme and the opposition.
Let’s digress with a look at the Feast: The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. “But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters” (John 7:2)
Remember the link to John 1:14 – this Feast of Tabernacles is important to John.
Why does John makes such a big thing of Feasts? The action he describes often takes place at a feast or festival time.
Some background – all gained from E-Sword
The Feast of Tabernacles: besides, their dwelling and sleeping, and eating and drinking, in their booths, there were various other rites which were performed by them:
- The carrying of palm tree branches in their hands, or what they call the “Lulab”; which was made up of branches of palm tree, myrtle, and willow, bound up together in a bundle, which was carried in the right hand, they waved them three times towards the several quarters of the world; and every day they went about the altar once, with these in their hands, saying the words in Psalm 118:25, “Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord, O Lord I beseech thee, send now prosperity”: and on the seventh day, they went about the altar seven times.
- The temple was adorned with light – at the going out of the first day of the feast, they went down to the court of the women; they made a great preparation, there were golden candlesticks there, and at the head of them four golden basins, and four ladders to every candlestick; and four young priests had four pitchers of oil, that held a hundred and twenty logs, which they put into each basin; they made wicks, and with them lighted them; and there was not a court in Jerusalem, which was not lighted with that light; and religious men, and men of good works, danced before them, with lighted torches in their hands, singing songs and hymns of praise.
- Another custom observed; which was that of fetching water from the pool of Siloah, and pouring it with wine upon the altar, which was attended with great rejoicing.
- The music that was used during the performance of these rites; at the illumination in the court of the women, there were harps, psalteries, cymbals, and other instruments of music, playing all the while; and two priests with trumpets, who sounded, when they had the signal; and on every day, as they brought water from Siloah to the altar, they sounded with trumpets, and shouted; the great “Hallel”, or hymn, was sung all the eight days, and the pipe was blown.
Wow palm branches waved, the light celebrated, water fetched, and great praise and rejoicing. Did you note the connections?
Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids.
Anon
Never let disappointment be louder than your worship… Lord teach my heart.
Darlene Zschech