“But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.”– John 7:10 (KJV)
“But after his brothers had gone to the festival, then Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view.”– John 7:10 (NLT)
“But when his brothers had gone to the feast, Jesus went, but he didn’t go public, but he went quietly.”– John 7:10 (MSG)
What Does John 7:10 Mean?
In this verse, we find ourselves at a moment in Jesus’s life where he decides to go to a festival once his brothers leave. The context surrounding this action is essential for grasping the meaning embedded in these words. Jesus, although being the Messiah, chose not to make a grand entrance but rather took a more subtle approach. This choice tells us a lot about his mission and how he approached his ministry.
At the time of this event, Jesus’s brothers were skeptical about his claims and were urging him to show himself to the world. They believed that if he indeed was who he claimed to be, he should make a public display of his miracles and teachings. Their encouragement to Jesus reflects a misunderstanding of his true nature and purpose on earth. They thought he should act in a way that aligned with their expectations and the expectations of the people. However, Jesus knew that his method and timing were essential, and he was unwilling to bow to these worldly expectations.
John 7:10 Explanation and Commentary
When Jesus decides to go to the Feast of Tabernacles after his brothers had left, it shows his intention to fulfill his mission without the pressure of public opinion. By going in secret, he demonstrated his wisdom in navigating human interactions and societal expectations. This event highlights the difference between Jesus’s followers and his true intentions. He wanted to reveal his glory gradually, in ways that aligned with God’s plan, rather than by relying on public spectacle.
The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot, was a significant festival for the Jewish people, commemorating their journey through the desert. For Jesus, attending this feast holds deeper meaning. It presents an opportunity for him to instill spiritual truths among his people, yet without the pomp and circumstance that might distract from his true purpose. His choice illustrates that he is not about military or political power, but rather spiritual transformation.
Sometimes, we find ourselves pressured to act or present ourselves in certain ways to gain acceptance or approval from others. Like Jesus, we should consider the timing and manner of our actions. He showed us that discretion can be a powerful tool, guiding our choices in ways that might align more closely with God’s plan for our lives.
As we read through this verse, it also reinforces the concept that we sometimes have to move quietly, as Jesus did. Stepping into our destiny does not always mean shouting our intentions from the rooftops. In today’s world, there is wisdom in making wise choices that allow us to be true to ourselves while also aligning with God’s purpose for our lives.
Context of John 7:10
Entering into the context of John 7 is critical for our understanding. The chapter begins with Jesus’s brothers expressing doubt about his ministry. They wanted him to prove himself by going to Judea and performing miracles openly, which was a challenge to his identity and authority. This doubt from his own family illustrates the familial and societal pressure Jesus faced even in his earthly journey.
The background of this Feast is important, too—it was a time when many Jews would count their blessings and remember God’s provision. Yet, when Jesus shows up quietly, he highlights a different kind of provision: the spiritual sustenance that he offers. His mere presence at the festival speaks to both his obedience and his desire to speak to the hearts of those who would listen without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.
Understanding this context is essential in grasping that Jesus’s path was not paved with applause and cheers from the crowd. Instead, it was filled with challenges, skepticism, and critical moments where he had to assert his purpose. His choice to go to the feast in secret suggests a deliberate focus on reaching those who genuinely sought the truth, rather than seeking validation from those who were merely intrigued by spectacle.
Jesus’s life was an example of a clear commitment to God’s mission over human expectations. As followers of Jesus, we too are reminded that our purpose is higher than the views that others hold about us. We have our own missions to fulfill, and they may not always be visible to everyone around us. The choice to walk quietly in faith, like Jesus, can lead us toward our true calling.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 7:10
In the phrase “when his brethren were gone up”, we see that Jesus’s family members had taken the lead in heading to the festival. Their departure signifies a critical moment; it’s almost as if their disbelief has opened a gateway for Jesus to act. This part of the verse emphasizes the tension between familial expectations and personal calling.
Next, the choice for him to go up unto the feast not openly but as it were in secret points to his wisdom. Jesus was acutely aware of those around him who wanted to trap him. Throughout his ministry, he often withdrew from the crowds to focus on teaching and healing. This time, moving with caution shows us how important it is to listen to God’s leading, particularly when facing significant decisions.
Going ‘in secret’ adds layers of intrigue. Jesus was not hiding due to shame or fear; he was strategically upholding his mission while protecting his ministry from premature exposure. There is a lesson here about how we approach opportunities in our lives. Sometimes, we may need to step back and assess whether we are rushing into things before their time. Jesus teaches us that there is power in a calm and considered approach.
Finally, we see the significance of the Feast itself. This was a gathering of celebration but also an opportunity for deep spiritual truths to emerge. Jesus’s presence here is symbolic of him being the source of true sustenance. As he later proclaims, ‘I am the bread of life,’ it becomes clear that he is revealing himself in a way that transcends mere ritual. He challenges us to see beyond the rituals and recognize the living God in our midst.
Lessons to Learn From John 7:10
There are multiple lessons we can derive from John 7:10 that can apply to our everyday lives. One of the most significant lessons is the importance of timing. Like Jesus, we need to be disciplined in knowing when to act and when to hold back. Our lives will inevitably present situations that require us to make choices, and greater wisdom is found in being patient.
Another lesson revolves around the concept of public vs. private faith. Jesus’s choice to go to the feast quietly reminds us that not every aspect of our relationship with God needs to be on display for the world to see. There are times when our faith can be deeply personal, and that is perfectly okay! It fuels growth in our relationship with God and allows us to focus on His guidance.
Additionally, we learn from Jesus the significance of our mission. We are called to serve and display Jesus’s love in unique ways. Like Jesus, we should never neglect to share our faith or shy away from proclaiming truth, but we can choose our methods wisely. It is important that we act in ways that align with our principles without feeling pressured to bow to society’s expectations.
Furthermore, we understand the importance of community. Jesus did not distance himself from his brothers, even in their disbelief. We are reminded to embrace those around us, even if they don’t fully understand our faith journeys. God might be using us quietly in their lives, as well, revealing himself in ways only He can determine.
Final Thoughts
John 7:10 presents a beautiful yet detailed picture of Jesus navigating his life’s mission. This quiet moment, filled with subtlety and intention, shows that we are called to be mindful of how we attend to our purpose. Just as Jesus did, we too can embrace both the public and private workings of our faith walks. There are times to shine brightly, but there are also moments to move with stillness.
As we reflect on this passage, let’s engage in our own spiritual journey with the same wisdom Jesus displayed, balancing confidence in our calling with discernment in our actions. In times when we may feel pressured from others, remember that pursuing God’s plan can lead us to deeper truths and refreshing destinies.
If you are interested in exploring more about this theme, we invite you to check out John 7:8 which delves into Jesus’s continued journey. You can also reflect on Numbers 13:19, which touches on themes of faith and courage.