JOHN 7:1–13
JESUS AT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES: FEAR AND UNBELIEF
Text – John 7:1–13
1 After this, Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill him.
2 But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.
3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you are doing.
4 No one works in secret if he wants to be known publicly. If you do these things, manifest yourself to the world.”
5 For his brothers did not believe in him.
6 So Jesus said to them, “My time is not yet here, but the time is always right for you.
7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I testify that its works are evil.
8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, because my time has not yet been fulfilled.”
9 After he had said this, he stayed on in Galilee.
10 But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not publicly but in secret.
11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast and saying, “Where is he?”
12 And there was considerable murmuring about him among the crowds. Some said, “He is a good man,” while others said, “No, on the contrary, he misleads the people.”
13 Still, no one spoke openly about him because they were afraid of the Jews.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major pilgrimage feasts, commemorating Israel’s journey through the wilderness and God’s providence. It was also associated with messianic hope and future salvation. Jesus’ brothers reflect a common first-century expectation of a public, triumphant Messiah. Their unbelief shows that even those closest to Jesus struggled to understand His mission. The fear of speaking openly reveals the growing hostility of religious authorities and the atmosphere of tension in Jerusalem.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage highlights the contrast between human ambition and divine timing. Jesus refuses to act according to worldly expectations and remains obedient to the Father’s plan. Catholic theology emphasizes that Christ’s mission unfolds according to God’s will, not human pressure. The hatred of the world reflects the reality that truth exposes sin. The secrecy surrounding Jesus’ journey underscores His freedom and wisdom in fulfilling the Father’s purpose amid opposition.
Parallels in Scripture
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – A time for every purpose.
Psalm 69:8 – Rejection by one’s own family.
Wisdom 2:12–20 – The righteous one opposed.
Matthew 10:22 – Hatred for Christ’s sake.
John 15:18–19 – The world hating Christ and His followers.
Key Terms
Feast of Tabernacles – Celebration of God’s providence and hope.
Brothers – Jesus’ relatives struggling with belief.
My time – God’s appointed moment.
World – Humanity resistant to truth.
Fear – Pressure silencing open confession.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed during Ordinary Time and invites reflection on faith amid misunderstanding and fear. The Church presents Jesus as faithful to the Father’s plan despite opposition, encouraging believers to trust God’s timing.
Conclusion
John 7:1–13 reveals the growing tension around Jesus’ identity and mission. Unbelief, fear, and misunderstanding surround Him, yet He remains steadfast in obedience to the Father. The passage calls believers to trust God’s timing and to remain faithful even when faith is challenged.
Reflection
Do I try to fit Christ into my own expectations?
How do I respond when faith leads to misunderstanding or fear?
Do I trust God’s timing in my life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, teach me to trust the Father’s timing and will. Strengthen my faith when belief is difficult and fear surrounds me. Help me to remain faithful to You, even when the world does not understand. Amen.