Family Faith

After this, Jesus went around Galilee purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus's brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." For even his own brothers did not believe in Him. John 7:1-5

Jesus grew up in His family without them noticing He was the Son of God. They were, perhaps, offended by His behaviour. He, their brother, was now claiming to be the Son of God, and they knew Him as brother, a carpenter.

In Australia we all know of the 'tall poppy syndrome'. Basically it means, 'if you raise your head above the crowd the crowd will do it's best to pull you down.'

However, these were Jews. Perhaps, just as Joseph, in the Old Testament, was sold by his brothers into slavery, Jesus was being pushed out the door to face persecution and death.

When we grow up in a family of religious believers and find Christ outside that religion we find ourselves rejected. I was. My dad was horrified that I went to a pentecostal church that met in a university hall not a church. He went to his priest to discuss the matter. Fortunately the priest used wisdom and told my dad the important thing was that I had found Christ, it did not matter where I found Him.

However, I came from a large family, all catholics and my cousins struggled with me being a professing Christian, an ardent Christian, outside the catholic faith. Fortunately that was years ago, they now have the grace to allow me the room.

Today, as a Christian, I must continue to stand for Christ and myself not look down on those who see differently. I must apply Grace as Grace is the only power that will overcome.

Jesus' family did come to believe, after He rose from the dead. God is in charge of drawing people to Himself, we have to trust Him for timing. However, at this season of Easter, may grace abound. Amen!