SCRIPTURE:
“After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works 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.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.”
John 7:1-5
OBSERVATION:
Jesus had done most of His miracles in Galilee. His brothers had been pushing Him to leave and show Himself to a larger audience. As we read, this prodding was done because of their lack of belief in Him.
APPLICATION:
Anyone who has grown up with siblings understands some of the jabs that often come in those relationships. At times they can be some of our greatest encouragers and protectors, yet at others they can also become some of our greatest critics. This isn’t just isolated to siblings. This can be with those we have grown up around and close to, like parents, friends and extended family.
I’ve found this at work on several occasions – Sometimes those closest to us, will doubt us the most. Is it because they are bad people or think poorly of us? I don’t believe so. It’s a matter of perspective. They have seen us through our best and worst. They have seen the things we have gone through and the changes we have made – both good and bad.
When I first was saved and began to make changes in my life, there were many people close to me who were extremely skeptical. At the time, I couldn’t blame them. In their own ways, they would question the authenticity of the changes I was making, and the devotion I now had for Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Nothing I said would change their minds. Over time, what would though, were the changes they SAW. The more and more I focused on the transformation that The Lord was doing in my life, and doing my best to reflect Him and not myself, the more they began to believe it.
While we may not always reflect Jesus because of our own human flaws, the goal is to do our best to become more and more like Him each and every day. That the love of Christ would overflow out of us and onto others.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have not been the best example and witness for You. Thank You Lord for Your transformative love, grace and mercy. May the love You have lavished on me, overflow onto others around me, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
