Abide

Read: John 7:1-13

The Feast of Booths was ordinated by God in Leviticus 23:34-43 to commemorate how the Israelites lived when they came out of exile in Egypt. It is usually celebrated in September or October depending on when it falls on the Jewish lunar calendar. Jesus’ brothers were coaxing him to make a journey to Jerusalem to celebrate the festival. They also knew Jesus works were making him famous and encouraging him not to hide it. What they did not understand was Jesus’ purpose. Jesus was not seeking fame or prestige. His mission was to bring salvation to the world (John 3:16-17).

Jesus tells them that his time has not come because he knew that the Jews would try and kill him if he went to Jerusalem. Jesus says that the world cannot hate them, but hates Jesus because he testifies about evil. They are not “hated” (or “detested”) by the world because they are still of the world because they have not believed. Matthew 10:22 declares that the disciples would be hated for Jesus name. Jesus work exposes sin and convicts people, and because people love their sin, they reject Jesus (John 3:19). The time for Jesus to be offered up comes some time after this (John 13:2). Jesus was a devout Jew, so he made the journey, but later after many had left and in secret as to not draw attention to himself. The Jews were looking for him so they could kill him, but they did not find him. They whispered among themselves because they were not sure what might become of them if they spoke openly about, because they also feared the religious establishment in Jerusalem.

Being hated by the world – that is the things that are evil – is almost to be expected by Christians because of whose name they bear. Persecution is to be expected for those who follow Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). One can reasonably expect that persecution will come from one angle or another nowhere does Jesus tell his disciples to go looking for trouble – trouble will most certainly come to them. Jesus himself was not looking for fame, rather to simply fulfill the mission he was sent to do. When it does come, one should not be surprised, but rather pray for those who do persecute you (Matthew 5:44), escape it if possible (Matthew 10:23), and rejoice and be glad because of the reward that awaits believers in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12).

Lord, I know I’m hated for your name. Help me to endure it and remain faithful to you!