Jesus as Our Teacher: Unpacking His Divine Instruction and Timing

We often try to understand important people by watching what they do and listening to what they say. But sometimes, what people don't do tells us even more. Jesus' deliberate pauses and His emphasis on teaching over mere spectacle reveal who He truly is and guide us toward authentic discipleship. By understanding His timing and boldly sharing His message, we can better live in accordance with who He is.

The Immediacy Culture vs. Jesus' Intentional Delay

The Modern Demand for Instant Gratification

In today's world, we expect everything right away. Want a hot meal? Pop it in the microwave. Need to buy something? One click buy does it. Want to watch a show? Just stream it instantly. It’s a far cry from the days when we had to wait a whole week for our favorite TV program.

I remember a time when my kids were amazed that they couldn't just fast-forward through TV commercials. They didn't grasp the concept of scheduled programming. This craving for instant results is deeply ingrained in our culture, making patience a rare commodity.

Jesus' Strategic Pause: A Model for Discipleship

Jesus, however, doesn't operate on our schedule. He intentionally delays His actions, not out of inaction, but as a strategic teaching moment. These pauses reveal Him as our teacher, providing crucial instructions for how to live and imparting words of eternal life.

Think of it like a military operation. Sometimes, to succeed, you need to be stealthy, flying under the radar. You time your approach carefully so the enemy doesn't expect you. This careful timing allows you to achieve your mission without interference. Jesus’ deliberate delays serve a similar purpose, ensuring His message is received in the right way and at the right moment.

Understanding Jesus' Seven-Month Ministry in Galilee

The Gap Between Miracles and Ministry

After miraculously feeding 5,000 men, Jesus found Himself in a tricky situation. Many disciples left Him when His teaching became challenging. Following this, Jesus spent about seven months ministering in Galilee. John chapter 7 tells us He avoided Judea because the Jewish leaders were trying to kill Him.

During this extended period in Galilee, Jesus wasn't idle. Other Gospels reveal this was a time of deep, focused teaching and training for His twelve disciples. He was preparing them for what lay ahead, grounding them in the principles of God's kingdom.

The Pattern of Discipleship: Gather, Teach, Invest

A clear pattern emerges from Jesus' ministry. First, He would gather large crowds, often using miracles to draw people in. Then, He would teach these crowds, knowing that some would reject His words, while others would embrace them. Finally, He invested His time and energy in those who chose to stay, offering continued instruction and guidance.

This model is foundational for discipleship today. We can gather people, share God's word, and then invest in those who respond positively. It’s a simple yet effective way to build a community centered on Christ.

The Feast of Tabernacles and the Brothers' Misunderstanding

The Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Booths, was a significant event. It celebrated God's provision for His people during their wilderness journey, reminding them of the temporary shelters they used. This feast was rooted in Old Testament law, which required male heads of households to attend.

Jesus Himself stated that He came to fulfill the Law, not to abolish it. Therefore, attending this feast was important for Him. However, His brothers had a very different idea about how He should make His appearance.

The Brothers' Focus on Works Over Words

Jesus' brothers urged Him to go to Judea openly, so His disciples could witness His miraculous works. They wanted Him to show off, to gain public recognition. They weren't interested in His teachings, but rather in the spectacle of His power.

This mirrors the crowd's initial attraction to Jesus for His miracles, not His words. As the twelve disciples famously said in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." They recognized the superiority of His teachings and not just His miraculous deeds.

The Dangers of Seeking Spectacle Over Substance

It's easy to be drawn to Jesus' miraculous acts – healing the sick or providing food. Who wouldn't appreciate such things? But when Jesus speaks about sin, righteousness, and the exclusive path to God through Him, people often react differently. His challenging words can provoke protest, not applause.

Many people today want the benefits of Jesus' works without submitting to His teachings. They desire a benefactor, not a teacher who calls for surrender. But you can't separate the two; His works and His words are intrinsically linked.

Trusting Jesus' Unwavering Timing

"My Time Has Not Yet Come"

Jesus’ statement, "My time has not yet come," highlights His adherence to a divine timetable. Even His own family couldn’t sway Him from His predetermined schedule. He lived by God’s clock, not man’s.

This reminds me of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings. When Frodo tells him he's late, Gandalf famously replies, "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." Jesus is much the same. He is never early or late; He arrives exactly when He means to.

The World's Hatred for Truth

Jesus explained that the world hates Him because He testifies against its evil works. He is the light, and darkness naturally recoils from anything that exposes it. Those who align themselves with Jesus will inevitably face opposition from the world.

His brothers’ desire for public spectacle contrasted sharply with Jesus' purpose. He knew that an open, fanfare-filled arrival would distract from His mission. Instead, He chose a private entrance, carefully timing His movements to avoid undue attention.

Private Ministry and Strategic Presence

Jesus instructed His brothers to go to the feast without Him, stating His time had not yet come. Later, after they had departed, He went to Jerusalem, but not publicly. His private journey allowed Him to move through Judea without attracting a large following or being immediately targeted.

This strategic presence enabled Him to focus on His teaching without the distraction of a massive crowd. It was a calculated move to fulfill His purpose effectively, demonstrating His understanding of timing and mission.

Jesus' Teaching as the Core Revelation

The Murmuring Crowd and the Question of Identity

At the feast, the Jewish people were murmuring about Jesus. Some thought He was a good man, while others accused Him of misleading people. This uncertainty captured the central question of our series: Who is Jesus?

Fear of the Jewish leaders silenced open discussion, showing how external pressure can stifle truth. This fear paralyzed many, preventing them from speaking freely about Jesus.

The Power of Teaching Over Signs

When Jesus arrived at the temple, He didn't perform another miracle to settle the debates about His identity. Instead, as John 7:14 notes, He began to teach. This demonstrated that His primary way of revealing Himself this time was through His words, not more signs.

The people didn’t need another miracle; they needed understanding. Miracles alone could lead to superficial following, as seen with the crowd after the feeding of the 5,000. They needed the substance of His teaching.

Overcoming the Fear of Man to Speak the Truth

The fear mentioned in John 7:13 resonates today. Many feel pressure not to speak openly about Jesus, especially concerning His exclusivity as the way to salvation. This fear of man can prevent us from sharing the truth.

We must put Jesus’ teaching into the open, just as He commanded. This doesn't always mean confronting strangers. It can be as simple as a conversation with a spouse, child, or friend. Sharing the goodness of Christ should be a natural part of our lives.

Conclusion: Embodying Jesus' Teaching

Three Pillars of Following Jesus as Teacher

Following Jesus as our teacher requires three key commitments. First, we must receive His teaching to gain the eternal treasure He offers, valuing His words as much as His works. Second, we must trust His timing, aligning ourselves with His divine schedule rather than our own impatience. Finally, we must put His teaching in the open, fearlessly sharing His message so it can illuminate the world.

The Call to Action: Be a Light

Let’s move beyond passively accepting Jesus’ teachings. We are called to actively share His goodness and grace, making it a natural part of our daily conversations. Jesus’ teaching is meant to shine, not be hidden. By embodying His message, we become a light to the world, reflecting His glory.