Read John 7:1-13. TEXT: "After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him" (John 7:1).
Even though the crowds thin around Jesus, He won't stop preaching and sharing the Gospel. He remains in the north in Galilee, avoiding the southern region and Jerusalem where the Jewish leaders are waiting to kill Him.
But His brothers notice this and think He is being unwise. If He wants to make a name for Himself He needs to go to Jerusalem where He will actually have an audience. At first glance it sounds like they are really interested in His ministry and want Him to succeed. But then we read John's comment, "Not even His brothers believed in Him."
Jesus remains behind when they leave for the festival. It must be surprising to the crowds when Jesus doesn't show up at the Feast of Tabernacles. Each day they come to the temple expecting Him, but He is nowhere to be seen. The people wonder and whisper about Him. Some say He is a good man; others think He is misleading the people. But no one speaks openly for fear of the Jewish religious authorities.
Do you have the courage to speak of Jesus in your family and among your friends and coworkers? As we will see, many of the people who saw Jesus' great miracles and heard His powerful words were more afraid of losing their place in society than of displeasing the God who will be their Judge on the Last Day. For this sin, too, Jesus is on His way to the cross for our salvation.
THE PRAYER: Lord, help me to see You with new eyes this Lent so that Your light may shine through the darkness of my mind. Give me courage to speak of Your great salvation with boldness, joy and confidence. Amen.
Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 14 Mark 8:1-21
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