John 7:10 – “However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.”

Extended Explanation

At first, Jesus told His brothers He was not going to the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:8), but here in John 7:10, we see that He does go. This might seem confusing—did Jesus change His mind? Did He deceive His brothers? Not at all.

When Jesus told His brothers, “I am not going,” He meant that He was not going on their terms. His brothers wanted Him to go publicly, to make a grand appearance, and to show His power. But Jesus was not seeking human approval or worldly fame. Instead, He waited for the right time and went privately, according to God’s plan.

Jesus always operated on God’s schedule, not human expectations. His decision to go “in secret” shows that He was wise and intentional. He knew the religious leaders were looking for Him (John 7:1), and He avoided drawing attention until the right moment.

Historical Context

The Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) was a major Jewish festival, lasting seven days. It was a time of joyful celebration, remembering how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. Thousands of people traveled to Jerusalem for this event.

Jesus’ brothers, who did not yet believe in Him (John 7:5), urged Him to go and perform miracles to gain followers. They had a worldly view of success, thinking the Messiah should be publicly recognized and honored. But Jesus knew that public recognition was not His goal—fulfilling the Father’s will was.

Jesus also knew that the religious leaders were plotting against Him (John 7:1). If He had gone openly, they might have arrested Him before the right time. His decision to go secretly was not out of fear, but out of obedience to God’s perfect plan.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us an important truth: God’s way is often different from the world’s way. Jesus’ brothers thought He should go with a grand entrance, but Jesus knew that God’s timing required a different approach.

For believers, this is a reminder that we should not seek human approval or follow worldly expectations. Instead, we should follow God’s will, even if it means moving quietly and faithfully rather than seeking attention.

This verse also shows that Jesus was in control of His own mission. Even though He was under pressure, He did not rush. He waited and acted according to divine timing.

Literary Analysis

John 7:10 contrasts the expectations of Jesus’ brothers with Jesus’ actual actions.

• “However, after his brothers had left for the festival” – This emphasizes that Jesus waited. He did not follow their lead but moved in His own time.
• “He went also” – This shows that He was never avoiding Jerusalem completely; He was simply going on His own terms.
• “Not publicly, but in secret” – This is the key phrase. Jesus was deliberate in how He went, avoiding the fanfare His brothers wanted.

John’s Gospel often highlights Jesus’ control over His mission. This verse is another example of that theme—He never acted out of pressure or fear but always according to the Father’s will.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 7:6 – “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” Jesus follows God’s timing, not human expectations.
• John 7:8 – “I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” Jesus was waiting for the right moment.
• John 7:14 – “Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.” He eventually made His presence known, but in God’s time.
• John 12:23 – “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus repeatedly talks about His “hour,” meaning the time of His crucifixion.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” God’s plans are higher than human plans.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse teaches us that obedience to God is more important than pleasing people. Jesus did not let His brothers’ opinions influence Him. Instead, He followed the Father’s plan.

As believers, we often face pressure from the world to act a certain way. But just like Jesus, we must resist the urge to seek recognition or move ahead of God’s timing. Sometimes, God calls us to work quietly and faithfully rather than seek the spotlight.

This also reminds us that waiting on God’s timing is wise. If Jesus, the Son of God, waited for the right moment, how much more should we trust God’s timing in our own lives?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His perfect timing. He does not rush things or force us into situations before we are ready. Instead, He guides us according to His will.

Jesus’ decision to wait before going to the festival shows that God’s plans unfold exactly as they should. Even when we do not understand why things happen the way they do, we can trust that God is working for our good.

God’s love also means He does not need to prove Himself to us. Jesus did not go to the festival to impress people—He went to fulfill His mission. In the same way, God’s love is steady and sure, not dependent on human approval.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus’ entire life was about following God’s perfect plan. He never sought His own glory but always pointed to the Father.

This verse also connects to the bigger picture of Jesus’ ministry. Throughout the Gospels, He talks about His “hour”—the time of His crucifixion. He knew that everything in His life was leading to the cross, and He refused to be rushed.

Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, before His arrest, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This shows His total submission to God’s plan.

Ultimately, Jesus’ decision to go to the festival in secret reflects the way He approached His entire mission—obediently, wisely, and according to God’s will.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever felt pressure to do something before you felt ready? How can Jesus’ example help you trust in God’s timing?
2. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking approval from others instead of waiting on God’s plan?
3. How can you learn to be more patient and obedient in following God’s direction?
4. What does this verse teach you about Jesus’ wisdom and self-control?
5. How can you apply Jesus’ example to your daily life, especially when faced with pressure to act quickly?

John 7:10 reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when others push us to move faster. Jesus went to Jerusalem, but not when or how His brothers wanted—He went according to the Father’s plan. As His followers, we should learn to do the same.