A Doubting Family

May 14, 2025 | Read and Think About John 7:1-10

The events told by John occurred during what is known as the Feast of Tabernacles.  This Feast goes all the way back to the time of Moses, when God instructed the Israelites on living holy lives after their great exodus out of Egypt. 

The Feast of Tabernacles lasted for 8 days, and it was one of 7 annual Jewish feasts appointed by God.  This one was meant to be a time of celebration for God’s provision during the time of wandering.  If interested, more can be read about the Feast of Tabernacles at Leviticus 23:39-43.

The key thing is people were on the move when it came to these feasts. Massive numbers of people would stop what they were doing and travel to Jerusalem for a week at a time.

Jesus’ family was no different.  And here, we read His brothers mockingly urged Him to go to Judea (Jerusalem) for the Feast.  They said in a demeaning tone to go to the Feast “so your disciples may see the miracles you do.”  They accused him of being a publicity hound (“no one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret”).  They taunted Him, “show yourself to the world.” 

John the writer concludes, “for even his own brothers did not believe in Him.”  This was not good-natured banter among family members.  They doubted Him, and their statements were insults. 

But Jesus did not respond to them in kind.  One of the great applications from today’s reading is to understand how He responded to them with grace and directness. 

And we read that Jesus did go to the Feast because He had some work to do.  But He went on His own terms – not theirs.