Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 7, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

This chapter begins with Jesus’ brothers preparing to go to the Festival of Shelters. They urged Jesus to come with them so He could show His miracles to the crowds.

“Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” For even his brothers didn’t believe in him. — John 7:3–5 (NLT)

Verse 5 struck me. Jesus’ own brothers—those who had lived with Him, seen His life and His miracles—still didn’t believe in Him. If anyone should have recognised who He was, it should have been His family.

Maybe you can relate. Perhaps those who should support your calling, your vision, or your dream don’t believe in you. If so, take comfort: Jesus experienced this too. His identity wasn’t validated by the acceptance of others. And neither should ours be. Jesus remained focused on what He was sent to do. He wasn’t moved by pressure, opinions, or expectations. He was anchored in purpose.

Jesus told his brothers he couldn’t go freely like they could as the world hated him and it wasn’t yet his time. 

“My time has not yet come… The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil… I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” — John 7:6–8 (NKJV)

This reminds us that there is a right time for everything. Even Jesus, the Son of God, moved in perfect alignment with the Father’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that every purpose has its season. So before we run ahead, we must pause and ask: “Lord, is this the right time?”

And God promises to guide us:

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” — Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)

As the chapter continues, Jesus eventually goes to the temple and begins to teach. The people were amazed at His wisdom, yet they still questioned Him. Their biggest issue was that Jesus healed the crippled man on the Sabbath. Jesus pointed out the inconsistency in their judgment.

They circumcised their sons on the Sabbath to obey Moses’ law, yet they were angry when Jesus healed someone on the same day. They focused on technicalities, while missing the heart of God—mercy.

Jesus challenged them:

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” — John 7:24 (NKJV)
“Stop judging based on the superficial. First you must embrace the standards of mercy and truth.” — John 7:24 (TPT)

Their judgement wasn’t righteous because it lacked mercy. They were so focused on rules that they overlooked the miracle before them—a man restored after years of suffering.

The TPT commentary brings it home beautifully. It says:

“Jesus was teaching that the law of mercy (healing the lame man) overrides the laws of Moses (regulations of the Sabbath). Seeing situations and people with the lens of mercy gives us true discernment”.
This is a powerful lesson for us. We must not judge people by appearance, actions, or assumptions. We need to look at others through the lens of God’s mercy, just as God looks at us. Remember the scripture says those who show mercy to others will also find mercy with God.

“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

My prayer today is that we will extend mercy to those around us; that the Holy Spirit will help us discern our times and seasons; and that we will remain focused on what God has called us to do—regardless of who believes in us in Jesus Name, Amen.

Thank you for joining me today in our study of John 7. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments below so we can continue growing together.