📖 Passage

John 7:1–24 Read John 7:1–24 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Following the events in Galilee, Jesus avoids traveling openly in Judea because the Jewish leaders are seeking to kill Him. The setting is the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles), a major Jewish festival commemorating God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey. Jesus’ brothers, still unbelieving, urge Him to make a public display in Jerusalem, revealing their misunderstanding of His mission. Midway through the feast, Jesus teaches in the temple, confronting false judgments and calling for righteous judgment based on God’s law, not appearances.

🌿 Key Themes

• God’s Timing — Jesus operates according to the Father’s will, not human pressure.
• Misunderstanding of Christ’s Mission — Even His own brothers fail to grasp His divine purpose.
• Boldness in Truth — Jesus teaches openly despite hostility.
• Righteous Judgment — God’s standard of judgment looks beyond outward appearances to truth.
• Opposition to the Gospel — The truth provokes division and hostility.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 7:1–5

"Even his brothers did not believe in him." - Family Unbelief — Jesus’ own brothers misunderstand His mission, highlighting the necessity of personal faith.
- Danger in Judea — Opposition from Jewish leaders is intensifying.
- Worldly Perspective — His brothers think in terms of public recognition, not divine calling.

John 7:6–9

"My time has not yet come." - Divine Schedule — Jesus operates according to the Father’s sovereign timing.
- The World’s Hatred — His exposure of sin provokes hostility.
- Separation of Mission — Unlike His brothers, Jesus’ purpose is not to gain fame but to fulfill prophecy.

John 7:10–13

"There was much muttering about him among the people." - Quiet Entrance — Jesus goes to the feast privately, avoiding premature confrontation.
- Public Division — Opinions about Jesus vary from “good man” to “deceiver.”
- Fear of Leaders — Many remain silent out of fear of religious authorities.

John 7:14–18

"My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me." - Divine Origin of Teaching — Jesus’ words are from the Father, authenticating His authority.
- Test of Truth — True teaching glorifies God, not self.
- Heart Disposition — Understanding requires a will submitted to God.

John 7:19–24

"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." - Exposure of Hypocrisy — Leaders accuse Jesus of breaking the law while plotting His death.
- Sabbath Controversy — Healing on the Sabbath fulfills, rather than violates, God’s law.
- Righteous Judgment — God’s standard evaluates truth and justice, not superficial appearances.

🔍 Trusted Insight

D.A. Carson notes that Jesus’ refusal to be manipulated by His brothers shows His unwavering submission to the Father’s will. His call for “right judgment” challenges superficial religiosity and points to a deeper, Spirit-enabled discernment.
Summary: Jesus confronts unbelief, operates on divine timing, and calls for judgment aligned with God’s truth.

🧩 Review Questions

1. What does Jesus mean by “My time has not yet come”?
2. How do His brothers’ suggestions reveal misunderstanding of His mission?
3. Why does Jesus enter the feast privately, and what does this teach about wisdom in ministry?
4. How does Jesus’ teaching challenge both the leaders and the crowds?

🔍 Definitions

• Feast of Booths — A Jewish festival commemorating God’s provision in the wilderness.
• Righteous Judgment — Evaluation based on God’s truth rather than external appearances.
• Sabbath — The seventh day, set apart by God for rest and worship.

🙋 Application Questions

1. In what ways might you be tempted to seek human approval over God’s timing?
2. How can you develop discernment to judge “with right judgment”?
3. Are there areas where you, like Jesus’ brothers, misunderstand or limit His mission?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Kairos (Time) — Appointed, divinely ordained moment.
• Didachē (Teaching) — Instruction rooted in divine authority.
• Krinō (Judge) — To evaluate or discern; in this context, to judge rightly according to God’s standard.

📚 Cross References

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 — There is a time for every purpose under heaven.
• Isaiah 11:3–4 — The Messiah judges not

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 7:25–36