John 7:10-13, Fearing the Leaders

10 But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 11 The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, "Where is he?" 12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, "He is a good man," others said, "No, he is leading the people astray." 13 Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.

Ignoring the pleas of his brothers, Jesus waited to go to Jerusalem until he heard from the Father. Instead of going publicly with his brothers, he goes privately, attracting less attention. Jesus has made the right decision to slip into Jerusalem discretely. The Jewish leaders are already looking for him at the feast, waiting for him to make a mistake so they can arrest him.

The people are divided about Jesus. Deuteronomy 13:1-11 requires that if a prophet arises among the people using signs and wonders and if he leads the people astray causing division, then he shall be put to death as should anyone who leads people to other gods. This is the scripture the Jewish leaders will be using to bring down Jesus, and perhaps this is why the people fear their leaders and do not speak openly about Jesus.

In our time openly speaking about Jesus is becoming more difficult, not only around the world but in the United States as well. His words expose darkness, corruption, and unrighteousness, and the world hates him. Have you experienced judgment from the world because of your faith in Jesus? Yet another homicidal bomber has attacked Christians in Pakistan. Pray for Pakistan today. Pray that darkness, corruption, and unrighteousness will be exposed, and peace, integrity, and righteousness may grow in their place.