A reading from the gospel according to John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30:
1 Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him.
2 But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.
10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.
25 Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
26 And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ?
27 But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”
28 So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
29 I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
30 So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.
Reflection: His hour had not yet come.
The gospel reading above narrates one of the many encounters of Jesus with His opponents. He was preaching openly to reveal Himself as the one sent by the Father and the religious authorities tried to arrest and kill Him. Their evil plan could not push through simply because it was not the right time. It won’t happen unless the Lord has planned it (Lamentations 3:37).
In many important endeavors, timing is not only important but it could be the only consideration for a plan to be put into action. It is the same thing with our prayer. Many times, God does not grant our petition because it is not good for us at the present moment. The key is to be patient and persistent. Keep on doing what we believe is best for the time being. When the right time comes, everything will fall into place. Yet, only God knows the right time. That is why we need to trust in Him.
The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). There is absolutely no need to rush. The present moment is to be enjoyed. We may dislike what is happening right now but many situations are out of our control. Hence, we do what needs to be done and accept whatever we can’t do. That is the secret of happiness: doing our mission to the best of our abilities and entrusting to God all the rest.
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In the gospel passage above, we are presented with deep insights and inspiration from the decisions and actions of Jesus. As he moves quietly among the people during the Feast of Booths, despite knowing the dangers that awaited Him in Judea, His actions and words speak volumes about courage, purpose, and divine timing.
Jesus’s decision to go to Judea, even when His life was at risk, shows us the importance of following our divine path with courage. He teaches us that fear should not deter us from our mission, especially when guided by a higher purpose. His journey was not reckless but a testament to His unwavering faith in God’s plan. It encourages us to face our fears with faith, knowing that we are never alone, and that there is a time for everything under the heavens.
Moreover, the conversations that Jesus has with the crowd reveal His wisdom and the depth of His teachings. He speaks of His origin and mission, emphasizing that His authority comes not from earthly powers but from the One who sent Him. This dialogue invites us to consider our own understanding of authority, purpose, and identity. It challenges us to seek a deeper connection with the divine, to look beyond the superficial and to find the true essence of our being and our calling.
Lastly, Jesus’s ability to speak openly and yet not be seized before His time highlights the concept of divine timing. It reminds us that there is a season for every activity under the heavens, and that patience and trust in God’s timing are crucial. We are reminded that our plans are not always God’s plans, and that sometimes, waiting is an act of faith and courage.
Let us take inspiration from Jesus’s example to live courageously, to seek a deeper purpose, and to trust in the divine timing for our lives. May we be brave in the face of adversity, wise in our understanding, and patient in our journey.
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Life often presents us with situations where we feel pressured to act, prove ourselves, or take matters into our own hands. In the Gospel reading above, we see Jesus experiencing similar pressures. His brothers urged Him to go publicly to the Feast of Tabernacles to gain recognition, yet Jesus responded with wisdom, choosing to move according to God’s timing rather than human expectations.
Jesus knew the opposition He faced. The religious leaders sought to kill Him, yet He remained steadfast, trusting in God’s plan. Instead of yielding to external pressure, He went to the feast secretly at first, demonstrating discernment and dependence on the Father. This passage teaches us valuable lessons about trusting God’s timing, standing firm in our purpose, and living boldly despite opposition.
1. Trusting God’s Timing
Jesus’ brothers believed He needed to showcase His works to the world, but He replied, “My time has not yet come”. How often do we feel rushed into making decisions because of societal pressures or personal expectations? The world tells us we need to move fast—secure promotions, make big purchases, achieve milestones—yet God calls us to trust His perfect timing.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Like Jesus, we must wait on God’s timing, knowing that He orchestrates every detail for His purpose.
2. Standing Firm in Our Purpose
When Jesus finally arrived at the feast, the people were divided in their opinions about Him. Some questioned whether He was truly the Messiah, while others dismissed Him out of fear of the religious leaders. Despite the tension, Jesus boldly proclaimed His teachings in the temple, declaring that His authority came from God.
We, too, face moments when our faith and purpose are challenged. The world may misunderstand us, criticize us, or question our convictions. But like Jesus, we must remain rooted in our calling. Galatians 1:10 asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?” When we seek God’s approval rather than human applause, we walk confidently in His will.
3. Living Boldly Despite Opposition
The people of Jerusalem whispered about Jesus, knowing the authorities sought to kill Him. Yet Jesus did not hide in fear. Instead, He spoke openly, stating, “You know me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on my own; but he who sent me is true” (John 7:28). His confidence came from His relationship with the Father.
As believers, we will encounter opposition when we stand for truth. The world may reject us, and challenges may arise, but we are called to be courageous. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” When we trust in God’s strength, we can face difficulties with unwavering faith.
Let us trust God’s timing, stand firm in our purpose, and live boldly even when facing opposition. Jesus did not seek human approval or rush ahead of God’s plan. Instead, He moved in obedience, demonstrating complete trust in the Father’s will.
Are you in a season of waiting? Do you feel pressured to act prematurely? Take heart! God’s timing is perfect. Are you facing opposition for standing in your faith? Stay firm. God is your defender. Live boldly, knowing that your purpose is in His hands.
When we walk in step with God, we will never be too late or too early. We will always be exactly where He wants us to be. Trust Him, and He will lead you into His perfect plan.
