John 7:10

“But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.”

Context:To understand the significance of this verse, let’s first set the context. In John 7, Jesus’ brothers encouraged Him to go up to Jerusalem and reveal Himself openly during the Feast of Tabernacles. However, Jesus chose to go in secret, not drawing attention to Himself.

Feast of Tabernacles:The Feast of Tabernacles was a significant Jewish festival that commemorated the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after the Exodus. It involved living in temporary shelters or booths for a week. Many Jews traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast.

Jesus’ Purpose:The verse indicates that Jesus went up to the feast, albeit secretly. Jesus had a divine plan and timing for His public ministry, and He knew that His time had not yet come. He wanted to avoid any premature confrontation or attempts to make Him a political figure.

Wisdom in Discernment:Jesus’ decision to go to the feast secretly demonstrates His wisdom and discernment. He was fully aware of the intentions and expectations of the people around Him. Instead of conforming to their desires, He followed the Father’s guidance and acted in accordance with His divine plan.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:Throughout the Gospel of John, we see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. One of these prophecies is found in Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of the Messiah coming to Jerusalem “lowly, and riding upon an ass.” By going to the feast in secret, Jesus avoided a grand entrance, yet He would later enter Jerusalem in a manner that fulfilled this prophecy.

Lessons for Believers:There are several lessons we can draw from this verse. Firstly, we learn the importance of seeking God’s guidance and following His timing in our lives. Jesus teaches us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and not to be swayed by the opinions or expectations of others.

Secondly, Jesus’ decision to go to the feast in secret reminds us of humility and the importance of avoiding unnecessary attention or self-promotion. Jesus modelled humility throughout His ministry, and as His followers, we are called to do the same.

Lastly, this verse highlights the sovereignty of Jesus as the Messiah. Despite the pressure from His brothers and the anticipation of the people, Jesus remained in control and followed the Father’s will. It reminds us that Jesus is not just a political leader or a figure who acts based on popular opinion, but the Son of God with a divine purpose.

Overall, John 7:10 teaches us about the wisdom, discernment, and humility of Jesus and calls us to seek God’s guidance and follow His plan in our own lives.