After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want[a] 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[b] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.
10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?”
12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.”
Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. Share one moment that was ‘perfect timing’? What is one thing you could do ‘all the time?’
2. What do you think was in the minds of Jesus’ brothers as they urged Jesus to go to the Feast?
3. Jesus again indicates the time wasn’t right (See John 2:4; John 7:30; John 8:20; John 12:23-33;Romans 5:6-8, Galatians 4:4-5). What is Jesus talking about?
4. What is Jesus’ glory?
5. What do you think Jesus meant when He said that our time is any time?
6. Looking at our Greek word of the day, how can John 19:28-30 confirm God’s timing to show all his glory?
7. At this time, how do you think the disciples were hoping or thinking God was able to show his glory, that he was ready to show Himself to the world? What did they expect Jesus to do?
8. Do these problematic thoughts, feelings, or petitions to God infiltrate your heart and mind? How can this be problematic?
9. How does His glory shine 2,000 years later today in your life and community?
10. Karol Ketcher once said, “Every day, one of two things will happen. Either we will get to be used by the Lord of all creation to serve and to love at all times or we will meet with Him in our eternal home forever.” Thoughts? Who do you know that can be uplifted with these remarks.
Prayer
Jesus, you did save us in the final hour, just in the nick of time, but at the right time. To fulfill all prophecies, to fulfill all that you needed to do before the right time came! Thank you for knowing exactly what needs to be done right now. Provide us with the patience or the motivation to act at just the right time. Give us the discernment and the clarity to wait when we need to wait and act when we need to act. Thank you for accomplishing all you do even when we don’t respond like we should. Help us to know that THIS IS THE DAY you have made, and that we GET to rejoice, be glad in it, and serve you through it all.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: fully come | Transliterated Word: pleroo (play-ro-o)
To make replete, to cram, level up, to furnish or finish, to satisfy, accomplish
More specifically to these verses: In the passive, of time, to be fulfilled, completed, ended
Family Engagement Activity
Today, play wiffle ball, tennis, baseball, or have a home run derby at home. (Don’t have a baseball or baseball bat? Play a game that involves good timing like Bed Bugs, Mousetrap, etc.) Talk about how the ball needs to be hit at just the right time. If you swing too early or too late, you will miss. Talk about how Jesus had perfect timing. If your children are old enough to understand, make a list of what would NOT have happened if Jesus came and did not let prophecies play out the way God had intended.
OR
Have your family go stargazing at 6 PM and then again before bed! Why was one time easier to see the stars than the other? Talk about God’s PERFECT TIMING.
Going Activities To Consider
Repeat the words of Karol Ketcher throughout your day: “Every day, one of two things will happen. Either we will get to be used by the Lord of all creation to serve and to love at all times or we will meet with Him in our eternal home forever.” How does this impact your day? Make notes in your journal about how this phrase may have impacted your decisions and actions.
OR
Pray to God to give you the name of a person who might need a pick me up, whether it be a Facebook message, phone call, or a letter in the mail. More often than I can believe, that person was in incredible need of interaction with someone else.