1-2 Later Jesus was going about his business in Galilee. He didn't want to travel in Judea because the Jews there were looking for a chance to kill him. It was near the time of Tabernacles, a feast observed annually by the Jews.
3-5His brothers said, "Why don't you leave here and go up to the Feast so your disciples can get a good look at the works you do? No one who intends to be publicly known does everything behind the scenes. If you're serious about what you are doing, come out in the open and show the world." His brothers were pushing him like this because they didn't believe in him either. (The Message)
There seems to be a necessity for the unknown and unknowable when it comes to faith. Jesus brothers and many of the disciples wanted to see exactly what Jesus was doing and have an answer for the reasons why and how. But Jesus, as we have seen so far, does many things that are hidden. He doesn't parade himself and his miracles out in front of everyone in John's gospel. There is something that would be lacking if we didn't have to take a leap into that which is unknowable when we place our trust in Jesus. It doesn't make it easy at times but that is what makes it faith.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- Why do you think Jesus wanted to remain hidden?
- What do you think the disciples thought when they saw Jesus at the feast after he had told them that he wasn't going to go?
- If everything Jesus did today was highlighted by a billboard what would faith look like?
- When you do the work of Jesus is it easier if you tell people what you are doing or doing it silently?
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