John 7:6 – “Therefore Jesus told them, ‘My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.’”
Extended Explanation
In John 7:6, Jesus is responding to His brothers, who had just urged Him to go to Jerusalem and publicly show Himself. They thought He should perform miracles to gain followers, but Jesus knew that God’s plan was not about earthly fame or human timing. His response, “My time is not yet here,” shows His complete trust in God’s perfect schedule.
Jesus wasn’t avoiding the trip out of fear. He was waiting for the right moment according to God’s divine plan. He wasn’t driven by human expectations but by God’s will. His brothers, on the other hand, had no such constraints. They could come and go as they pleased, but Jesus lived with a clear purpose—everything had to align with the Father’s timing.
Historical Context
At this time, Jesus was in Galilee, and the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) was about to take place in Jerusalem. This feast was one of the most important Jewish celebrations, a time when the people remembered God’s provision during their ancestors’ time in the wilderness. Many Jews traveled to Jerusalem for this event, making it a highly public gathering.
Jesus’ brothers, who did not yet believe in Him (John 7:5), suggested that He go and perform miracles in front of the crowds. They thought like the world—assuming that public recognition was the key to success. But Jesus operated on God’s schedule, not human ambition.
This was also a period of growing hostility toward Jesus. The Jewish leaders were already seeking to kill Him (John 7:1). He knew that if He went at the wrong time, it could interfere with God’s plan for His ultimate sacrifice.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a central truth: God’s timing is perfect. Jesus, though fully God, submitted to the Father’s will completely. He wasn’t about popularity or worldly success—He was about obedience.
For believers, this teaches the importance of waiting on God’s timing rather than rushing ahead with our own plans. We often want things to happen quickly, but God’s plan unfolds in His way and at the right time. Just as Jesus trusted the Father, we are called to do the same.
It also reminds us that Jesus’ mission was not to impress people but to save them. His priority was always the Father’s will, not the expectations of others.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a dialogue in John 7 between Jesus and His brothers. The contrast between their way of thinking and Jesus’ divine mission is clear. They represent human reasoning—thinking success comes through public approval—while Jesus represents divine wisdom, knowing that everything must align with God’s will.
The phrase “My time is not yet here” echoes similar statements Jesus makes throughout the Gospel of John (John 2:4; John 7:8; John 12:23). In each case, it points to the fact that Jesus was operating on God’s timeline, especially regarding His eventual death and resurrection.
The phrase “for you, any time will do” is also significant. Jesus is highlighting that His brothers live without concern for God’s timing. They operate as ordinary people, but He moves according to divine purpose.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” This reminds us that God controls time and events.
- John 2:4 – Jesus says to His mother, “My hour has not yet come.” Again, Jesus is aware of divine timing.
- John 7:30 – “At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.” This further shows God’s control over Jesus’ mission.
- Galatians 4:4 – “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.” Jesus came at the perfect moment in history, not a second too soon or too late.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse teaches us to be patient and trust God’s timing in our lives. Like Jesus, we may feel pressure to act based on others’ expectations, but we must learn to wait for the right moment that aligns with God’s will.
We live in a culture that values instant results. But God works differently—He prepares us, He shapes us, and He moves at the right time. If we rush ahead, we may miss His best for us. Like Jesus, we must live with purpose, following God’s timing rather than our own desires or the pressure of the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His perfect timing. He is not slow, nor is He in a hurry. He works everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). His plan for Jesus’ life, including the timing of His ministry and crucifixion, was set in place out of love for the world.
In the same way, God’s timing in our lives is an expression of His love. He is not withholding good things from us—He is preparing us and leading us to what is best. His delays are not denials but part of His loving purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus was completely submitted to the Father’s will. His entire life was guided by divine timing, from His birth (Galatians 4:4) to His death and resurrection (John 12:23). He was never controlled by human pressure or expectations. Instead, He perfectly obeyed God’s plan.
This verse also points ahead to the ultimate “time” in Jesus’ life—His crucifixion. Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus repeatedly refers to His “hour” or “time.” Eventually, in John 17:1, Jesus declares, “Father, the hour has come.” This was the moment of His sacrifice for our salvation.
By waiting for the right moment, Jesus ensured that His mission was accomplished exactly as God intended. His perfect obedience made it possible for us to be saved.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you feel impatient, struggling to wait for God’s timing?
- How does Jesus’ example challenge you to trust God’s plan instead of rushing ahead?
- Have you ever made a decision based on pressure from others rather than waiting for God’s guidance? What was the result?
- What are some ways you can grow in patience and trust in God’s perfect timing?
- How does understanding Jesus’ complete obedience to God encourage you in your own walk of faith?
This verse reminds us that Jesus always moved according to God’s will. As His followers, we are called to do the same. Instead of chasing human approval or rushing ahead, we must wait, trust, and follow God’s perfect plan for our lives.