Jesus’ Time

John 7:1-9 (NIV)

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.

I find it very interesting that even Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him. There has been much speculation about Jesus’ childhood. What kind of a child was He? Did He do miracles? Perhaps Jesus was a normal kid. This is pure speculation on my part, but if Jesus was adamant about His time not yet coming during His ministry, then surely He would not reveal Himself during His childhood. Could you imagine what would have happened had there been a miracle working teenager? The time was just not right for Jesus to do what His Father had called Him to do. Instead, Jesus waited for the perfect time to reveal the Father’s plan for Him. The Father’s plan was for Him to die for the sins of the world.

That’s why Jesus came. He came to die for your sins and my sins and the sins of the whole world. Our greatest problem is not one that can be solved by the teachings of a religious guru. Our greatest problem is not one that can be solved by following the example of a great man or woman. Our greatest problem cannot be solved by the words of a mere prophet. Our greatest problem is sin and that can only be solved by the shedding of the innocent blood of the perfect sacrificial Lamb of God. Put your trust in Him for salvation and forgiveness. When His time came, Jesus did what the Father sent Him to do. He makes forgiveness more than possible. He makes it a reality by His death and resurrection.

PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to die for my sins. I praise and thank You for the free gift of Your grace. Thank You for continuing to forgive me, even when I don’t deserve it. In Jesus’ saving name, amen.