The passage in question is John 7:8-10, which reads:
You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.
At first glance, it may seem like Jesus told his brothers he was not going to the feast of Tabernacles, but then secretly went later. This has led some to accuse Jesus of lying to his brothers. However, a closer examination of the text and context provides good reasons to conclude that Jesus did not in fact lie.
The Meaning of “Not Yet”
When Jesus said “I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come,” he likely meant that he was not going up to the feast with his brothers at that specific time. The phrase “has not yet” implies Jesus did intend to go, just not right then with them. If he never meant to go at all, he would have simply said “I am not going.” By saying “not yet,” Jesus left open the possibility of going later, on his own timing.
The Reason for Caution
Jesus had good reason to be cautious about his travel plans. Earlier in John, we read that the Jewish leaders in Judea were seeking to kill Jesus (John 5:18). Jesus was aware of the danger he faced in Judea (John 7:1). So it made sense for him to not want to go with his brothers and make a public entrance with them which could provoke trouble. He chose to go later more privately and discreetly.
The Meaning of “In Secret”
When John says Jesus went to the feast “not publicly but in private” or “in secret,” he does not necessarily mean Jesus snuck in hiding. Based on the context, it likely means Jesus went without his disciples, without fanfare, and avoided attention, in contrast to traveling with his brothers. Jesus was able to come and go in crowds without drawing too much attention to himself (John 7:10-13). So he was being prudent and careful, not deceitful.
No Attempt to Mislead
If Jesus had intended to deceive his brothers about his plans, he could have simply said “No, I’m not going up to the feast at all.” But Jesus did not say that. He left open the possibility that he might go later, in his own timing. There is no indication Jesus tried to mislead his brothers into thinking he would not go to Jerusalem at all. He simply declined to travel with them for wise reasons.
Jesus Had Right Motives
Once in Jerusalem, Jesus began teaching in the temple (John 7:14). Although his presence there did provoke controversy, he was not deterred from doing the Father’s will. This shows Jesus had sincere, godly motives for being cautious about the manner of his travel to the feast. He was not motivated by deceit, but by a desire to avoid conflict and safely carry out his ministry.
God’s Timing Was at Work
Jesus said “my time has not yet fully come.” This refers to God’s sovereign timing and plan at work in Jesus’ life and ministry. There were divine reasons, unknown to Jesus’ brothers, for why it was not yet time for Jesus to travel to Judea with them. Jesus submitted himself to the Father’s timing.
No Harm Done
Jesus’ brothers were not deceived or harmed by Jesus’ actions. They still went up to the feast as they had planned. Jesus retained his own choice about when to travel based on wisdom, caution, and God’s timing. His brothers simply did not have all the factors he did to make the best decision.
Honesty Considered Virtuous
Jesus taught about the importance of honesty and integrity throughout his ministry (Matthew 5:33-37; John 8:45-46). He exemplified truthfulness, even when being silent or vague might have spared him hardship or harm (John 18:20-21). We have every reason, based on Christ’s character, to give him the benefit of the doubt here.
A Sinless Savior
Scripture testifies that Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15), including no deceit in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22). Jesus boldly challenged his critics if they could prove him guilty of any sin (John 8:46). As the perfect Son of God, Jesus did not need to lie or deceive anyone about his plans and whereabouts.
Potential Reasons to Delay Travel
Jesus may have had several prudent reasons to delay his journey to Jerusalem, including:
- Avoid traveling with his brothers and drawing hostile attention
- Wait for his disciples to finish their work before leaving Galilee
- Allow more time for ministry work God had for him in Galilee
- Pray and seek God’s guidance about when to travel
- Arrange for provisions and logistics for the journey
Any of these considerations could reasonably explain why Jesus was waiting for the right timing to make the trip.
Avoiding Assumptions
When examining any passage where Jesus’ actions or words are in question, we must be careful not to interpret things negatively based on human assumptions. Jesus frequently had divinely wise reasons for what he did and said that were not always obvious to observers at the time (John 2:19-22).
Considering Context
As with any passage, we must remember to interpret these verses in the light of their full scriptural context. Jesus’ character and sinlessness are established facts that form the backdrop to properly understanding this event. We know Jesus was the perfect Son of God, so we should avoid imposing suspicions of deception upon his motives without solid evidence.
Trusting God’s Providence
From God’s perspective, there was perfect wisdom and providence in the timing of how these events unfolded. By waiting briefly, Jesus avoided immediate conflict and was able to travel to Jerusalem according to God’s timing. We can trust that God was working out His purposes through both Jesus’ cautious actions and the later controversy at the feast.
Lessons for Disciples
This passage contains helpful lessons for Jesus’ disciples on prudent decision making, avoiding unnecessary danger, acting according to God’s timing, using discretion for controversial situations, and trusting in God’s control over events.
Affirming Christ’s Example
While Jesus did not sin here, he serves as an example of navigating potential hostility and oppression with wisdom, discretion, caution, and reliance on God’s leading. This passage ultimately highlights Christ’s patience, self-control, peacemaking, and doing the Father’s will.
Valuing Truth
Jesus valued and exemplified truth in all things. We can be confident that remains true regarding this passage. Though some details are unclear, the overall testimony of Scripture confirms Jesus’ sinlessness and integrity even in difficult situations.
Conclusion
Examining John 7:8-10 in detail reveals good reasons to conclude that Jesus did not lie or intend to deceive his brothers about going to the feast in Jerusalem. Jesus was motivated by prudent caution, a desire to follow God’s timing, and wisdom in the face of potential threats. He retained flexibility in his plans and traveled independently at the appropriate time. When properly understood in context, this passage presents no evidence that Jesus sinned in word or deed.
We must be careful not to judge Jesus’ actions by human standards or make negative assumptions about his motives. Scripture upholds Christ’s sinlessness, truthfulness, and obedience to the Father even in complex, controversial situations. Though Jesus did not provide his brothers with full details about his plans, neither did he intentionally mislead them. He acted according to godly wisdom and discretion.
When studied carefully, these verses offer helpful insights into Jesus’ carefulness, self-control, peacemaking, and commitment to God’s timing and will. Jesus exemplifies prudent decision making guided by divine priorities. This passage ultimately highlights Christ’s righteousness and provides disciples with positive examples to follow.