Temple Baptist Church - 2-22-2023
John 7:1-10
Introduction:
A. In our text, I find in verse 5 that the brethren of Jesus had not received Him as their Messiah at this time.
1. We know that Jesus had 4 half-brothers plus sisters. Matthew 13:55-56 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (56) And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
2. Little is said about the siblings of Jesus, and we know that some were saved but do not know for sure that all of them were saved by putting their faith in Him. The bible is silent here.
B. Many families are divided in the matter of true biblical salvation. I have heard the testimonies of many who were the first in their family to have been saved.
C. This goes back to the first mention of a family and the spiritual division among those who had been taught both right and the same. Abel was a child of God by faith and Cain was a child of the devil by rejection. We all know the end of that story.
1. Both had the same saved parents through atonement.
2. Both had the same teaching from their parents.
3. Both had the same freedom of choice in sacrifice.
4. One chose to believe and one to reject.
D. Christ Jesus no doubt lived a perfect life before His family until the time of His identification by John the Baptist, but his own family had difficulty believing Who He was and what He was there to do.
“The Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.”
E. In verses 3-5, his brethren actually mocked Him because remained in Galilee instead of going to the Feast of Tabernacles, the third feast where all males were to go to Jerusalem.
1. They said that Jesus wanted to be known of all men but, because of the threat to His life, was trying to remain in secret.
a) Verse 6: “Your time is alway ready.” Jesus gently answered his brothers. Notice the singular use of the word “alway”. It covers every instance of time instead of “always” which is a duration of time.
b) His brothers could get saved anytime if they chose to do so.
2. Later during His ministry, His entire family came to see Jesus but not necessarily to hear Him. We find in these verses His gentle rebuke.
Matthew 12:46-50 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. (47) Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. (48) But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? (49) And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! (50) For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
F. Spiritual division is a way of life, both for Christ Jesus and those who put their faith in Him.
Matthew 10:34-39 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword (to sever). (35) For I am come to set a man at variance (to part ways) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (39) He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Luke 12:49-53 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? (50) But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (51) Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: (52) For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. (53) The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
G. Jesus lived a life of witness before family and friends.
1. It is a life of Love. Jesus never stopped loving His earthly family. Love your families, love your enemies, and love your neighbors.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
2. It is a life of Witness. Jesus never stopped sharing the Word of God to His earthly family. Saving faith comes only through the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
3. It is a life of Testimony. Jesus never compromised His holiness before His earthly family. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Then they will behold your good works and glorify your heavenly Father. “A life lived is worth a 1000 sermons taught.”
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
4. It is a life of Consistency. Jesus finished the task for His earthly family. From His birth to His resurrection, Jesus’ life was marked with consistency and so must ours be.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
5. It is a life of Forgiveness. Jesus forgave the mockery and division of His earthly family. We are to forgive our enemies (foes) and treat them with love.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
6. It is a life of Supplication. Our Lord was a Prayer Warrior and prayed for His earthy family. We need to continue in prayer for ours.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
7. It is a life of no Regrets. Jesus did all that He could for His family. We can do no less.
Mark 14:8a She hath done what she could:
Conclusion: We do know that some of the Lord’s earthly were saved: Joseph, Mary, James, and Jude. I would like to think that all were saved but I could give you no Scripture to bear that out with..
Mary - Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, (47) And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Joseph - Matthew 1:19-25 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Jude 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
