Two groups of people are highlighted in the first half of John 7. At first glance it seems they have nothing in common. One group sees Jesus as an impressive miracle-worker and they wish to promote Him. The other views Jesus as a dangerous law-breaker and they plan to murder Him. But as it turns out, neither group is believing in Jesus, and they share a common problem. The promoters of Jesus are His own brothers. At this point, many have left Jesus, having struggled to swallow His Bread of Life sermon. The curious crowd has dwindled to a dozen. So His younger brothers appoint themselves as campaign managers. “Look Jesus, Your future is not here in rural Galilee. If You want to be King—if You want to be Messiah—we need to go to the big city. Do Your works in Jerusalem, where all the action is. Maybe we can get back some of the followers You’ve lost, but You’ll need to step it up a bit!” It seemed like the ideal time because “the Feast of Booths was at hand.” The annual seven-day religious festival always drew a crowd. “So let’s go, Jesus! It’s time to come out of obscurity; show Yourself to the world!” (v 1-4). Then John makes this troubling comment: “For not even His brothers believed in Him.” Of course, they would have claimed to believe. They were amazed by all the miracles! Yet their passion was not grounded in true understanding. They knew nothing of God’s plans and purposes. Jesus will not be a popular figure, for His saving message begins with an exposure of sin, and people don’t like to be told their “works are evil.” When He goes to Jerusalem, it will not be for a royal coronation, but a brutal crucifixion. And this must not occur until the Feast of Passover, still six months away. Coming into town now with a lot of fanfare would only hasten His death, and it’s not time yet. Jesus will not be driven by the expectations of others, even His own family (v 5-9). After quietly arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus is confronted by hostile religious leaders at the temple. Unlike the brothers, they don’t want to see Jesus on a larger stage. They want to see Him dead (5:18). They feel threatened by the teaching of a man lacking the proper theological degree. So Jesus explains that His credential is from heaven; His words are from God. Only those who are willing to follow the truth will know it. But just like Jesus’ brothers, the religious leaders are seeking their own glory, not the glory of God (v 10-18). These Jewish leaders were hiding behind the law of Moses, while failing to apply it properly in His situation. Jesus calls each of us to be more discerning! “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (v 19-24). For further meditation: