Pray for the lost

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world." For not even his brothers believed in him. - John 7:1-5

The event of today's text occurs about six months after Jesus fed the five thousand. According to the first-century historian Josephus, the Feast of Booths was the most popular of the three principal Jewish feasts. So, it is clear that Jesus' unbelieving brothers would want Jesus to re-establish himself in Jerusalem, the religious capital, and in front of a great crowd. Even Jesus' brothers did not become his followers until the resurrection.

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. - Acts 1:14

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today's text reveals an important lesson that you and I should learn. We do not know when one may become a follower of Christ, and let us not give up hope on people around us who do not know him.

Let us pray for the lost.

Who can you pray for today?