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In the Word
by Chuck Livermore
Jesus' Brothers Disbelieve
Date Posted: September 8, 2009
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After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews' Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. His brothers therefore said to Him, "Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world." For even His brothers did not believe in Him.
Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come." When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. John 7:1-9 NKJV
It is difficult to preach the gospel to your own family. Your family is aware of all of your flaws. Your family knows your history and has seen you at your worst. They know better than anyone that you are simply another sinner saved by grace and that fact can be a hindrance to anyone proclaiming belief and repentance.
Even if you are perfect, your family will perceive injustice in your life because of their own sinfulness. Even if you have always been loving and dealt fairly with them, they may be offended if they perceive injustice that is not actually there. Like a preteen who exclaims, “That’s not fair!” when her parents suggest a consequence of abhorrent behavior, our siblings or children may perceive injustice even when we are justified.
Jesus’ brothers came to faith after His resurrection; likewise, we may have to wait many years to gain a hearing among our close relatives. The key to influencing your family’s faith is consistency over a long period of time. Eventually, even those who know you best will recognize the Holy Spirit’s influence in your life and you will gain a hearing among them if you do not grow weary in doing good.
Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come." When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee. John 7:1-9 NKJV
It is difficult to preach the gospel to your own family. Your family is aware of all of your flaws. Your family knows your history and has seen you at your worst. They know better than anyone that you are simply another sinner saved by grace and that fact can be a hindrance to anyone proclaiming belief and repentance.
Even if you are perfect, your family will perceive injustice in your life because of their own sinfulness. Even if you have always been loving and dealt fairly with them, they may be offended if they perceive injustice that is not actually there. Like a preteen who exclaims, “That’s not fair!” when her parents suggest a consequence of abhorrent behavior, our siblings or children may perceive injustice even when we are justified.
Jesus’ brothers came to faith after His resurrection; likewise, we may have to wait many years to gain a hearing among our close relatives. The key to influencing your family’s faith is consistency over a long period of time. Eventually, even those who know you best will recognize the Holy Spirit’s influence in your life and you will gain a hearing among them if you do not grow weary in doing good.
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Chuck Livermore's knowledge of the word is the result of a lifetime of study and reading. He is part of Galilee South Community Church, a multi-ethnic congregation in South Denver. He attended Wayland Baptist University and has participated in world evangelism through research of unreached peoples.
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