ERCC DEVOTIONAL (TEKAN) DAILY SPIRITUAL DIET; FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER, 2023.
TEXT: JOHN 7: 1 - 9.
SPIRITUAL FOCUS: JESUS' BROTHERS DID NOT RECOGNIZE HIM.
In yesterday's study, Jesus emphasized to His disciples that the words He spoke to them were spirit and life. In today's study as the feast of Tabernacles approaches, James, Joseph, Simon and Judas His brothers (Matthew 13: 55) suggest that He leaves Galilee for Judea to see His miracles.
They did this because even though they were His brethren, they did not believe Him. The desire of Jesus' brothers to go to the festival in Jerusalem was to make a name for themselves. This was so that the people would see Him and know that He is a miracle worker.
This will bring them respect, dignity, and honor. Knowing everything, Jesus did not agree with them and told them that His hour had not yet come for His death. They do not understand this statement because of their worldly thinking. Undoubtedly, today there are such brothers of Jesus who want to be exalted, who want to be treated as "honorables".
This is incorrect. Brethren, let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Let us imitate Jesus' example of humility, compassion, and patience. Let us not forget that whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23: 12).
Christ humbled Himself and took up His cross and suffered for our salvation. Do not let pride prevent you from receiving the blessings of the Lord.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: We must imitate Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord God, help me to do works that will glorify Your name, because I ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
JOHN 7: 1 - 9 (NIV).
1 After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death.
2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters,
3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles!
4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!”
5 For even his brothers didn’t believe in him.
6 Jesus replied, “Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime.
7 The world can’t hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil.
8 You go on. I’m not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.”
9 After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.
