Approval in Jesus, Not the World (John 7:1-13) Bible Reading: After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus' brothers said to him, "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." For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?" Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Others replied, "No, he deceives the people." But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews. John 7:1-13 Scripture Reflections to Consider: Why was Jesus avoiding Judea? Was it because of a lack of courage? When you are frustrated, do you try to exhort Jesus? What do you think about Jesus’ ministry and how he works in the world? How is Jesus’ ministry validated? How are you being led in your life? What leads you? What are you driven by? Why does Jesus go up to the feast anyway? How does he do it? For more information about our ministry, please visit https://www.kingdomd.org. If you'd like to email us directly, you can reach us at contact@kingdomd.org.