John 7:1-13 – Unbelief
Even Jesus’ brothers do not believe Him. Holy, and harmless, and blameless as He is in life, some of His nearest relatives do not receive Him as the Messiah. Seeing Christ’s miracles, hearing Christ’s teaching, living in Christ’s own company, is not enough to make men believers. Just having spiritual privileges does not make anyone a Christian. Everything is useless without the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ knows how to sympathise with us when we try to explain and talk about Him to those we love, and they just don’t believe. He knows what that frustration and discouragement is like.
Jesus explains in these verses why many hate Him. Men hate Jesus because He points out their sins. He makes them feel guilty. They don’t mind abstract doctrines, they hate being told how to live. And the Bible is constantly telling us how to live. To speak vaguely of loving each other, nobody minds that, but to call men and women sinners, to urge them to repent, and trust in the righteousness of Christ alone, and then to live their life in obedience to Him – nobody likes to hear this.
From the very beginning of His ministry there are a number of strange and varied opinions about Christ. And these strange and varied opinions have continued even today. Christ is the cause of divisions among men wherever He is preached. So long as the world exists, some, when they hear of Him, will love, and some will hate – some will believe, and some will not. What do you think of Christ yourself? Don’t be ashamed to be part of those who believe on Him, hear His voice, follow Him, and speak of Him before men. The children of the world may hate us, but the last day will show that we chose wisely.
Questions
- What do Jesus’ brothers think of Him?
- Why do people hate Jesus?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would live boldly as Christians.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.