His 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.
(John 7:3-5 MSG)
“Do you put yourself out there?” asked a good friend of mine. She had gotten engaged and wished the same for me. “No, not just for anyone anyways,” I answered, after giving it some deep thought. Throughout my life, I’ve heard this question asked in some form or another. Whether it was work or relationships, people always wondered if I was making myself noticeable enough. But relying on God for wisdom and direction, has taught me that I don’t need to try hard to prove myself because God is always at work on my behalf.
Jesus’ brothers seem to ask Him a similar question in today’s passage. They push Him to go up to the Feast of Tabernacles, a feast which ironically emphasizes God’s provision, so He can be publicly known. “Come out in the open and show the world,” they tell Him. But Jesus knew better. He stays back, at least until it’s the right time for Him to go. “Don’t crowd me. This isn’t my time. It’s your time—it’s always your time; you have nothing to lose…You go ahead, go up to the Feast. Don’t wait for me. I’m not ready. It’s not the right time for me.” He said this and stayed on in Galilee. But later, after his family had gone up to the Feast, he also went. But he kept out of the way, careful not to draw attention to himself”‘ (John 7:6-11).
Put yourself in God’s care, not out there
Rising with the Son 