Jesus’ habit was to go to Jerusalem for festivals and to visit the Temple; his family had always done this, however, as his mission expanded, going to Jerusalem became increasingly dangerous.
Mary always supported Jesus, knowing many things she stored up in the secret of her heart. At the wedding feast in Cana in Galilee she had called upon him to sort out the problem of running out of wine. Jesus had changed water into wine. However, while Mary totally trusted her son Jesus, his brothers often thought they would sort him out.
Jesus’ brothers, all older than him, tried to get Jesus to fall into line with their plans and customs. Sometimes they goaded him about becoming famous and showing himself to the world – which can only happen if he goes to Jerusalem.
“After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No-one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:1-5)
Apparently Jesus answers them quite bluntly – “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me …” and he says “The right time has not yet come.”
Jesus’ brothers leave and go to the Feast in Jerusalem, and Jesus does go, but in secret. Then unannounced Jesus pops up in the Temple to teach people. The Sadducees want to have him arrested, and the Pharisees want him stoned.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were not happy – they were sad-you-see because of Jesus’ success. The greater the healing miracles performed by Jesus, the more threat there is to his own life.
Merry and True 