7:11-13
These verses give us a picture of the atmosphere in Jerusalem with respect to the attitude of various people to Jesus. “The Jews” refers to the Jewish leaders, not the people in general. They were looking for Jesus. Why were they doing this? Probably twofold. First they were out to get Him, so were looking for an opportunity. Secondly they were wondering what He was going to do next, what teaching or healing would He do that would further threaten their authority?
The people in general were also wondering about Jesus. “there was much muttering about Jesus”. The attitude of the people is non-committal. Some saw the good that Jesus was doing, the goodness of His teaching, and, if they had encountered Him directly, the goodness of His nature. Others were worried about the effect that Jesus was having or could have. Jesus would upset things and they didn’t want to upset the Romans. The Jews had come to an accommodation with the Roman occupiers, most of them didn’t like it that much, but they could live with it. So why make trouble? There is a big difference between appeasement and compromise, and it takes wisdom to know what is happening on any one occasion. To never compromise on anything is a foolish attitude and not to be commended, but we are well aware of the history of appeasement. In the Jewish context the Romans would destroy the city in about forty years time anyway.
So out of fear, no one would speak openly for Jesus. We need to be aware that we must never rely on non-Christians speaking up on our behalf. Sometimes they will, but it cannot be relied upon.
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