Sukkot Day 3

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him. Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. John 7:1-10 NLT

 

The Festival of Shelter, also known as Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, was one of the Jewish holidays that required devout Jews to go to the Temple in Jerusalem. That was where Jesus’ brothers expected Him to go. Interesting that they sarcastically wanted Him to show off His ability to perform miracles—IF…if He could miracles. They didn’t believe in Him. To them He was just their older brother—smart and talented possibly, but they didn’t think He was the Messiah. He had to go to Jerusalem quietly and secretly.  Jesus already knew that there were Jews that wanted to kill Him. How disappointing that must have been. To know that there were those who just wanted Him dead—to feel that rejection. The beginning of the humiliation that He endured all the way to the cross. Do you ever feel humbled or humiliated because you are a follower of Jesus?   

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I claim the promise like David wrote after Nathan confronted him about his own sin…. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:11-12. I am joyful to know that my sin is forgiven—and my relationships are restored between god and me and between others and me. Forgiveness is a beautiful experience that can only occur with love and grace. God’s grace is sufficient for even me.

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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