Our Scripture for today is John 7:11-14
The Jews were looking for Him at the feast and asking, “Where is He?” Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”
Yet no one would speak publicly about Him for fear of the Jews. About halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach.
May God bless the reading of this text.
In today’s reading, we find Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, having to choose between chasing public opinion or doing the right thing. Despite the risks, Jesus chooses the right moment to teach in the temple courts, underscoring a profound truth: doing what’s right outweighs the need to please everyone.
This passage invites us to reflect on the often-quoted wisdom, “You can’t please all the people all the time.” Jesus knew this well. He wasn’t swayed by the crowd’s expectations or the Pharisees’ demands. Instead, He focused on His mission, teaching God’s truths, even when it wasn’t the popular choice. This moment in Jesus’ ministry is a powerful reminder of the futility in trying to satisfy everyone’s expectations.
Trying to please everyone can lead us down a path where our values and convictions are compromised. This text reminds us that doing the right thing, though not always popular or easy, is what truly matters. It’s about aligning our actions with our faith, even when it goes against the grain.
We must remember that some people will always be dissatisfied or disagree with your actions, no matter how hard you try to accommodate everyone. Trying to please everyone is an unrealistic and unattainable goal.
So, as you move through your day, remember the lesson from Jesus’ actions. When faced with a choice between doing what’s right and doing what’s popular, choose the right. It may not win you the favor of everyone, but it will help you reach your real purpose in life. Reflect on this passage and see for yourself the truth about choosing integrity over popularity.
Lonnie Davis