Unbelieving Brothers

Joh 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.
Joh 7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Joh 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
Joh 7:4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
Joh 7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.

Jesus' own brothers, after knowing Him for over 20 years, did not believe in Him at this time. Thankfully, at least 2 of them would later. What a heartbreak this must have been to His mother.

You have to wonder if this caused some serious sibling rivalry problems in their home. They had already been witness to a number of things:

1. His character - sterling, impeccable. His light probably showed up the darkness that was in them, therefore, it may have caused some resentment. Can you imagine how many times the younger siblings must have heard, "Why don't you act more like your older brother?"

2. His miracles. They were at the wedding in Cana also. They saw empty water pots miraculously fill to the brim with the best wine ever tasted.

3. His dedication. They were among the caravan that had to go back to Jerusalem, only to find their 12 year old brother about His Father's business in the temple.

These and many other things did Jesus' little brothers witness of Him. Yet, they were still blinded by unbelief.

It causes me to shudder when I think about all those raised in Jesus' house, the church, who will never believe. Their 1st hand witness of changed lives, reunited families, saved souls, incredible miracles and powerful, God anointed services have put them off rather than turned them on.

They really have no one or nothing to point at, not the hypocrites, not the preacher, who is just as human as they are, not the "rules" laid down by the church - no one or nothing to point at but their own unbelief.

May God allow the scales to fall from their eyes so that their eternal souls may find rest in the Christ Who has been there for them their entire lives.