“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” – John 7:5
“I had an uncle who one time…”
We all have that crazy uncle. But we often forget that the crazy uncle is the brother to either our mother or father. So before he became a crazy uncle, indeed he was a crazy brother!
Early in his ministry, Jesus’ own brothers undoubtedly thought he was losing it. They were even embarrassed to be around him. They didn’t believe he was who he said he was. If that doesn’t sound like the early beginnings of every crazy uncle story later on, what is!
But Jesus wasn’t crazy. He was precisely who he said he was – the Messiah. And his own brothers would eventually come around, some even becoming church leaders later on in life.
The opening in John 7 reveals to us some of the tensions surrounding Jesus’ ministry among his own family members. This all comes at a time when his brothers seem to be urging him to make a more public display of his miraculous works, to show himself to the world and gain more followers. But Jesus responded by saying that “his time had not yet fully come.” (Vv 6; 8)
What a great reminder this passage is to us that following Jesus often means being patient and trusting in God’s timing, even when it seems like the world is calling us to act or make a move. We should be careful not to fall into the trap of seeking our own glory or trying to please others, but rather to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness.
We can also learn from Jesus’ example of discernment and wisdom in his response to his brothers. He doesn’t give into their demands or argue with them. Instead, he chooses to stay focused on his mission and purpose.
Friend, as we go through our day today, let us remember to seek God’s will and guidance above all else. Let us trust in His timing and choose to follow His path, even when it requires patience and sacrifice. And let us keep our eyes always fixed on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Former Blackout Artist 