What does Jesus mean by "My time has not yet come" in John 7:6? Setting the Scene in John 7 • The Feast of Tabernacles is underway (John 7:2). • Jesus’ brothers urge Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so Your disciples there may see the works You are doing” (v. 3). • Jesus replies, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always at hand” (John 7:6). Understanding “Time” • “Time” here translates the Greek kairos—an appointed, strategic moment—not mere clock time. • In John, Jesus also speaks of His “hour” (hora), e.g., John 2:4; 8:20; 12:23. Both terms highlight a sovereign schedule set by the Father. • Jesus’ kairos includes the precise moment for public self-revelation, culminating in the cross and resurrection. Why Jesus Waited • Divine agenda, not human pressure: His brothers wanted a publicity moment; Jesus waited for the Father’s signal (cf. John 5:19). • Protection until the appointed hour: “No one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come” (John 7:30). • Fulfillment of prophecy: Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53 required specific timing and circumstances. Contrasts with His Brothers • Their “time is always at hand” (John 7:6)—they operate on human schedules with no threat from the world. • Jesus is hated “because I testify that its deeds are evil” (v. 7). Public appearance too early would incite premature arrest. The Divine Timeline in John’s Gospel • Cana: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). • Temple courts: “His hour had not yet come” (John 8:20). • Triumphal Entry: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). • Upper Room: “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son” (John 17:1). These milestones show a steady march toward the cross at the exact kairos ordained by God. Implications for Believers Today • God’s plans unfold on His timetable; obedience means trusting His pacing (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Popular demand or external pressure must never override divine direction. • Waiting on the Lord is active faith, not inactivity (Psalm 27:14). Key Takeaways • “My time has not yet come” affirms Jesus’ complete submission to the Father’s sovereign schedule. • The statement shields Him from premature exposure and ensures prophecy is fulfilled precisely. • It calls believers to align decisions, ministry, and expectations with God-appointed moments rather than human urgency. |
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