Read John 7:1-5. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
1 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
Digging Deeper
Have you ever had cruel or cutting words said to you? It may be their sarcastic words or in a demeaning tones. It may be their words said to your face or behind your back. It may even be a passing remark that someone makes.
Cruel and insensitive words from those who are supposed to love us, like family members hurt the most. “ 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”
I wonder if Jesus’ mother, Mary heard any of these words. Did she say something to her sons or was she silent? What about the His disciples? They were with Jesus. Did they say something to his step-brothers or were they silent? Perhaps they didn’t want to “get involved” since this was a family matter.
I could imagine that His step-brothers may have said to Him, “Show us some of your miraculous powers that we hear about? How about turning this rock into bread for us?!?” It appears that His brothers didn’t see any of works that He was doing in Galilee or in Judea so they doubted the reports. Perhaps, they never saw Him perform any miracles when He was growing up among them. In their minds, “He’s nothing special. He’s just like one of us, except He left home and we have to take care of mom.”
If we see a brother or sister in the Lord being ridiculed or have having sarcastic words thrown at them, would you and I say anything at all? The old saying of sticks and stone may break my bones but words will never hurt me is false. Ridicule and sarcasm does hurt. They cut deeply into our soul and spirit. It may cause irreparable damage to someone’s self-esteem or perceived worth.
Don’t stand by and be silent when you and I see another brother or sister being ridiculed or spoken with cruel words. No one has the right to “run down” another person. Take a stand and speak up for those who may need your support.
-Kingston