But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him.
There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, "He's a good man," but others said, "He's nothing but a fraud who deceives the people." But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.
— John 7:10-13 NLT
Key Thought
People don't come to faith in a vacuum. The enemy of faith is always trying to cast doubt and reinforce unbelief with fear. Throughout John's story of Jesus, we will see the struggle to believe in the face of the fear of rejection. How many people around you would be more willing to believe if you were more open about your faith? Is there someone, or something, keeping you silent because of fear? Faith is not just believing in our heads and hearts; it is also believing with our lives — demonstrating our faith with our actions, words, and influence. Don't let fear silence your faith; someone around you has her or his salvation depending upon it!
Today's Prayer
Father, please give me courage and wisdom to demonstrate my faith in appropriate and effective ways. I need your help to influence those around me to come to Jesus. I need your guidance as I try to be bold about my faith without turning off those around me. In Jesus' name, I ask for your help so that I will have a redemptive influence in my world. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- John 12:37-44
- John 9:18-23
- John 19:38-40
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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