Faithfulness Over Marketing

In John 7:1-8, Jesus' brothers urge Him to go to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths. They reason that if He truly wants to be recognized as the Messiah, He should demonstrate His miracles publicly: "No one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world" (vv. 3-4). On the surface, this appears to be helpful advice. Yet John explains that "not even His brothers were believing in Him" (v. 5). Their counsel reveals doubt masked as strategy. To them, success meant public recognition and approval.

Jesus' response exposes the flaw in their reasoning. He tells them: "My time is not yet here, but your time is always ready" (v. 6). His brothers could move freely because they belonged to the world and did not oppose it. Jesus, however, stood in sharp contrast to the world because He testified that its works were evil (v. 7). For Him, the decisive moment of public revelation was not a matter of human calculation or opportunity; it was bound to God's appointed time. His mission could not be forced into the mold of earthly ambition.

In this exchange, Jesus corrects their misunderstanding without granting legitimacy to their veiled doubt. They imagined His mission as one of popularity and power. Jesus redefines the terms–Messiahship is about obedience to the Father's plan, even when that path leads to rejection and suffering.

Modern Application

Many today still equate religious success with visibility, numbers, and influence. Churches can become preoccupied with attendance figures, programs, or cultural recognition as if these measure faithfulness. Jesus reminds us that true success in the kingdom is not found in applause or worldly acclaim but in humble obedience to God's Word, even when it brings resistance or diminishes our standing in the eyes of others. His brothers sought spectacle; He sought the Father's will. The same choice lies before believers today.