“Who Is Jesus Christ To You?”

“Who Is Jesus Christ To You?”(Jn,7:1-13).
John introduces his gospel by stating that Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him”(Jn.1:11). This is evident all through the gospel. In today’s reading Jesus purposely stayed away from Judea “because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.” Worst is that “even his own brothers did not believe in him.”
Yet these same brothers behaved as if they loved and believed him. When the Jewish Feast of Tabernacle was near these brothers told Jesus, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do.No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”
Watch out for flatterers and the praises that come from people – even your own brothers! Most times they are not genuine. The greatest trap of flattery that has lured many to destruction is trying to show yourself to the world – becoming a public figure!
Do the work in silence and in private and the result will advertise itself and become public material. All the same, Jesus went to the feast, “not publicly, but in secret.”
When Jesus’ brothers tried to flatter him into going he told them,“The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right…for me the right time has not yet come.”
Once “at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, ‘Where is this man?'” These days we can call them “Bad belle people!”
Jesus did not have to make himseff public to be known. “Among the crowd there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, he deceives the people.’…”
My friend,vwe each represent sone cgaracter in the story. Are you among the Jews who want to take Jesus’ life? Or are you among his brothers who though they do not believe him, flatters him to make himself public? Are you one of those in the crowd who says he is a good man or one of those who say he deceives people?
John tells us that all who received Jesus, those who believed in his name, he gave them the right to become children of God…”(1:12). Make a decision and choose wisely!
Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for making me a child of God. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.