Scripture to Read: John 7:10–13
Though Jesus stayed in Galilee while His brothers left for Judea, Jesus did not wait long before He also headed to Judea. We read in John 7:10, But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as if, in secret. Though we may not understand God the Father’s timing in events and circumstances in our lives, we can trust Him and know that His timing is always perfect. God the Father’s timing for our Lord Jesus Christ was also perfect, which is why Jesus waited before heading to Judea. People at the feast were looking for Jesus; some spoke favorably of Jesus while others did not. But even though people talked about Jesus, they did not do it publicly, but more in private because everyone feared getting in trouble with the Jewish religious leaders. The people were afraid because the Jewish religious leaders hated Jesus and wanted Him killed. Anyone caught speaking about Jesus, even if it was not favorable, might be considered a follower of Jesus, and the people did not want to be associated with being one of Jesus’ followers, fearing they might also lose their own lives. Though our lives as Christians here in the USA are not in jeopardy of death by being followers of Christ, too many Christians still live in fear. Some fear ridicule for following Christ. Others fear a lack of knowledge in not being able to answer someone’s questions about Christ or the Bible. We should never fear, but instead trust our Lord no matter what we face.
Challenge & Application
• How has God proven to you that His timing is always perfect in all areas of your life?
• How have you learned to overcome fear as a Christian and trust our Lord even when the circumstances seem fearful?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!