1After this Jesus went about in Galilee; he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2Now the Jews' feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 10But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 25Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill? 26And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ? 27Yet we know where this man comes from; and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from." 28So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord; he who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me." 30So they sought to arrest him; but no one laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.
This passage reflects the broader theme in John's Gospel: Jesus is aware of God's plan and does not act prematurely, emphasizing obedience to the Father's will. Spiritually, this challenges us to trust in God's timing rather than forcing events to happen according to our own desires. It may also be a critique of a church we know that is trying to promote its own existence rather than promote and identify the will of God. When Jesus says "You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come on my own; He who sent me is true, and Him you do not know", it may be a critique of the church - a “me” we know tht does not become its own God. It has come from God and needs to represent God in all it advocates. We need to challenge a church that is not advocating for mercy, forgiveness and righteousness. Loving Father, may my standing in the community, my self-madeness, and my experience be used to further your will and not be used as an instrument to further my worldly needs. Grant me the faith to place your call ahead of my own desire. Amen
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