When God Is In Control

 

Jesus Teaches in the Temple – John 7:1–2, 10, 25–30

Dear Friends, picture the tension in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. Everyone is looking for Jesus, but not in a good way. The Jewish leaders want to kill Him (v. 1). Jesus stays in Galilee at first, telling His brothers He’s not going up to the feast because “my time has not yet come” (v. 6). Yet after they leave, He goes up in secret (v. 10).

Halfway through the feast, Jesus enters the temple and begins teaching openly. The people are stunned. “How is this man learned, having never studied?” (v. 15). They debate among themselves. Some say, “Is this not the man they seek to kill?” Others whisper, “Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (vv. 25–26).

Then the bold question: “We know where this man comes from… But when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from” (v. 27). Jesus answers with stunning clarity: “You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me” (vv. 28–29).

The crowd is divided. Some want to arrest Him, but no one lays a hand on Him because “his hour had not yet come” (v. 30). Jesus stands in the middle of hostility, danger swirling around Him, yet He speaks with unshakable authority. He knows exactly who He is, where He comes from, and who sent Him.

This passage is full of irony. The people claim to know where Jesus is from (Nazareth, Galilee), but they don’t truly know His origin. They think the Messiah’s coming will be mysterious, yet Jesus declares openly that He is from the Father. The leaders plot to kill Him, yet they cannot touch Him until God’s appointed time.

Jesus’ courage confronts us. He didn’t hide. He didn’t water down the truth. He taught in the open, even when it meant risking His life. He knew the Father’s will and trusted the Father’s timing.

We too live in a world that often opposes the truth of Christ. It can feel safer to stay quiet, to keep our faith private. But Jesus shows us that when the Father sends us, we go—even into hostile places—and we speak what He gives us to say.

Today, pause in the quiet. Where is fear keeping you silent about Jesus? Where are you tempted to hide your faith because the “time doesn’t feel right”? Hear Him say, “I am with you.” His hour has come, and now is the time to live and speak for Him.

Point to Ponder: Jesus didn’t wait for safe conditions to reveal the truth—He spoke because the Father sent Him. We are sent too.

Verse to Remember: “I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.” (John 7:28–29 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, think of one situation where speaking about Jesus feels risky or uncomfortable. Ask God for courage to say something simple and true, trusting His timing and presence. What might happen when you do?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church