John 7:8

Goe ye vp vnto this feast: I goe not vp yet vnto this feast, for my time is not yet full come. John 7:8 (KJV)

The Feast of Tabernacles (also known as the Feast of Booths or Sukkot) was one of the three major Jewish festivals that required all Jewish males to go up to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). Jesus’ brothers were urging Him to go up to the feast, likely because they wanted Him to make a public display of His ministry.

The statement of Jesus: Jesus responds to His brothers’ urging by saying, “I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.” Here, Jesus indicates that He will not be going up to the feast immediately, as His time has not yet come. This implies that there is a specific timing and purpose for His actions.

Divine timing: Throughout the Gospel of John, we see a recurring theme of Jesus acting in accordance with God’s timing and plan. Jesus is aware of His purpose and mission, and He acts in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. In this verse, Jesus is indicating that His time to go up to the feast has not yet arrived.

Foreshadowing: Jesus’ statement about His time not being yet full come foreshadows His eventual journey to Jerusalem and His crucifixion. As the events unfold in the Gospel of John, Jesus eventually goes up to the feast, but at the divinely appointed time. This verse highlights the importance of divine timing in Jesus’ ministry and the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.

Obedience to God: Jesus’ decision not to go up to the feast immediately demonstrates His obedience to the Father’s will. He did not act according to the expectations or desires of His brothers, but instead, He waited for the right time appointed by God. This obedience is a consistent theme in Jesus’ life and ministry, showing that He submits to the Father’s schedule rather than human pressure.