S – So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so that your disciples can see your works that you are doing. ⁴ For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” ⁵ (For not even his brothers believed in him.) 

 John 7:3–5 CSB

O – Commentary:

It did not seem rational to Jesus’ brothers for Him not to show off His glory. If He really was what He claimed to be, they reasoned, He should publicly demonstrate it. They advised Him to display Himself in a powerful, brilliant way: Show Yourself to the world. But God’s way was a public display on a cross of humiliation. John explained that even His own brothers did not believe in Him. This sad note sounds again (cf. 1:10–11; 12:37). Proximity to Jesus, either in a family or as a disciple, does not guarantee faith.

“John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Our walk with God is counter-intuitive to our logic sometimes.  It makes sense that if you want to save the world, you would “show yourself” in Jerusalem’s largest environment.  Instead, God’s plan was the cross.  Now, we see the brilliance of God’s strategy.  Do we trust and have faith when God’s plan doesn’t make sense?  We can know fully that God’s ways are best and for our good.

R – Heavenly Father, we surrender and worship you today.  Thank you for your plans and desires for us in our relationship with you.  We ask that the Holy Spirit continue to give us understanding as your plans unfold each day.  Let that develop into a deeper love and faith in you.