Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative to present Jesus in the context he walked in with the unknown disciple that narrates introducing my thoughts and sparking more ideas with his questions. Enjoy.
We went back to Galilee since it was getting hot there. In Judea, the Jewish leaders were trying to find a way to kill Jesus. Galilee was ruled by Herod Antipas, not the temple leaders. A good place to lie low for a bit.
We were in the Nazareth area when James, Jude, and Jesus’ other brothers came to us.
“The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles is near,” Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”
Whole towns and families went to the festival to remember the time Israel wandered the desert before entering the Promised Land. There was something to James’ tone when he said that to Jesus. I looked at Peter, who returned my puzzled stare.
Didn’t they know Jesus’ life was in danger?
Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you, any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.”
James scoffed and turned away, with the rest of his brothers following.
After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee while they left.
John 7:1-9
A Ronin's Journey 