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Six months have passed between John 6 and 7. This
chapter opens with controversy and confusion. It takes place on the last and greatest day
of the eight day Feast of Tabernacles, the most popular festival of the Jewish calendar. (See John 7:37.)
As you read this chapter, see yourself in Jerusalem as one of the participants on this day. Jesus had four half brothers according to Matthew 13:55. They were James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. (James is the author of the book of James. Jude, or Judas is the writer of Jude.) At this point John states that none of our Lord's brothers believed in Him. They seem to be saying, if you are truly the Messiah, prove it to the world! (See John 7:4-5). They missed the privilege of being among those who stood with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Jesus told His brothers in John 7:6, "The right time for me has not yet come." Jesus knew that God's timing is all important in guiding us to where we go and when we go. Our eternal opportunities in life rest with God's timing, which, if you loose, may never return. Many people today think of Jesus as a good man but never truly think about what He said. Either the claims of Jesus are true, or He is a liar, not a good man. (See John 7:12) Faith in Jesus is a moral rather than an intellectual issue. (See John 7:17) Honest seekers will know He is true. The problem is most believe the cost is too high to truly follow and obey. They try to sit in the middle and hope the decision doesn't have to be made. Unfortunately there is no middle ground. You will find yourself in one group or the other. If Jesus is calling you now, take hold of His promises and yield your will to His. Revelation 3:20 says, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." The time will come when He is no longer available. Each of us is called to act upon the knowledge we have. How Nicodemus must have wished he had stood more boldly in defense of Jesus. His words in verses 50-51 did cost him some respect in the eyes of the Pharisees. His growing belief will continue to cost him as he comes to understand who Jesus is. The proportions of believers and unbelievers is still approximately the same today as it was in the early church. Followers of Jesus Christ are in the minority, yet if activated by the power of the Holy Spirit, they have a witness that will effect both our nation and the world. |