“He was in the right place at the right time.”  Have you heard that expression?  Some would say it is a co-incidence, but as believers we recognize God is at work.

 

Although Jesus has healed many who were sick, and done so much good, he is facing increasing opposition.  Some are offended with his teaching, while others hate him because he exposes their hypocrisy.

 

It is now time to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles and everyone is making their way to Jerusalem, including Jesus’ brothers.  They urge him to go, saying he should promote himself there.  Most people do things when they want to, or feel like it.  However there is a right time, and only God knows when that time is, as he sees the end from the beginning. Jesus understood that.  He replies to his brothers, “for you anytime is right, but for me the right time has not come.”

 

Questions?  Children ask them all the time.  Most adults have them too.  Some things we read in our Bibles don’t make sense, and there are things that happen in our lives we don’t understand.  Why did that happen, we ask, or what does this mean?

 

Jesus is teaching in Capernaum.  No doubt most of those listening had eaten the bread and fish that had been multiplied. When Jesus said he is the Bread of Life though, they didn’t understand.  What did he mean?  They are offended with his teaching.

 

If people saw a miracle they would believe!  Do you sometimes think that?  Miracles are described as sign posts, pointing people to Jesus, so they will come to know who he is.  When Jesus healed the Royal Official’s son, he believed, and so did his entire family.  Sadly, not everyone responds in this way.

 

It is the day after 5000 people have been fed on the slopes of the Sea of Galilee.  These people had seen many miracles take place, so they are looking for Jesus again.  When exciting things are taking place, crowds quickly gather.  Jesus, however, sees beyond the outward and looks at the heart.