Why did Jesus' brothers not believe in Him according to John 7:5? Setting the Scene in John 7 John 7 opens during the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus’ half-brothers (James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas, cf. Matthew 13:55) urge Him to leave Galilee and show Himself publicly in Jerusalem. Their suggestion sounds supportive, yet Scripture reveals the true heart posture: • “For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7:5) They grew up with Jesus, but they were still outsiders to His true identity. Seeing Jesus Through Family Eyes Familiarity can dull spiritual perception. Several factors fed their unbelief: • Ordinary upbringing: “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:55). To them, Jesus was the eldest sibling who had worked with His hands, not the heavenly Son of God. • Family responsibility: Mark 3:21 records that relatives thought He was “out of His mind” when ministry demands crowded normal life. • Nazareth’s reputation: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Hometown bias lingered inside the household. Messianic Expectations Colliding with Reality Many Jews expected a political liberator. Jesus came preaching repentance and a spiritual kingdom. • His brothers urged public miracles in Jerusalem (John 7:3-4), implying, “If You’re the Messiah, stage a public display.” • Their demand echoed crowds who sought signs yet missed the Savior (John 6:30-31). Spiritual Blindness and Unbelief Scripture attributes unbelief to heart condition, not lack of evidence. • “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14). • “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • John records that many still did not believe “even after Jesus had performed so many signs” (John 12:37). His brothers were no exception until God opened their eyes. God’s Sovereign Timing Jesus replied, “My time is not yet here, but your time is always ready” (John 7:6). Salvation is a gift of God’s timing and grace: • “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). • Their eventual conversion—after the resurrection—shows belief arrives exactly when God ordains. From Skeptics to Servants The story doesn’t end in John 7. • After the resurrection, Jesus “appeared to James” (1 Corinthians 15:7). • At Pentecost, “These all were united in prayer… along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers” (Acts 1:14). • James becomes a pillar in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9) and writes the Epistle of James; Jude pens the letter bearing his name. Key Takeaways for Today • Physical proximity to Jesus—or church culture—doesn’t guarantee faith. New birth is essential (John 3:3). • Unbelief is primarily spiritual blindness; only Christ’s light can dispel it (John 1:9). • God’s patience toward doubters is profound, turning former skeptics into devoted servants. |
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