![[article cover study.wiki.png]] ![[sub.logo 1.png]][Substack Articles](https://practicalchristian.substack.com/?r=507pdm&utm_campaign=pub-share-checklist)** ![[coffee.png]][Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) **Cross Reference**: #theology, #timing_in_Johns_gospel, #divine_timing, #Gods_plan # Thought by Thought Exegesis of Timing in John’s Gospel **Scripture Reference: [John 7:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7.6&version=AMP)** ## Introduction to Timing in John's Gospel Timing plays a significant role in the Gospel of John, revealing the divine plan and purpose for Jesus’ ministry. Throughout the Gospel, there is a recurring theme of Jesus working according to God's predetermined timeline. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John emphasizes the importance of Jesus' awareness of His "hour"—a term repeatedly used to indicate the timing of His death, resurrection, and exaltation. This concept is crucial in understanding how Jesus operated not according to human expectations but according to the sovereign will of God. ## The Concept of "Hour" in John’s Gospel **Scripture Reference: [John 7:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7.6&version=AMP)** "So Jesus said to them, ‘My time (hour) has not yet come; but any time is right for you.’" In this passage, Jesus' response to His brothers, who urged Him to reveal Himself publicly at the Feast of Tabernacles, demonstrates His awareness of divine timing. While His brothers operated according to human reasoning and expectations, Jesus remained in sync with God’s plan. This idea of "the hour" is central to the entire Gospel narrative, pointing forward to the climactic moment of Jesus' death and glorification. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus refers to "His hour" as the specific moment when He would fully reveal His purpose through the cross, signifying both His suffering and victory over sin. ### Call to Action: - Reflect on how we often operate according to human timing and expectations. Consider how you can align your decisions and actions with God’s divine timing. ## Key Moments of Divine Timing in John's Gospel ### The Wedding at Cana: The First Sign **Scripture Reference: [John 2:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+2.4&version=AMP)** Jesus' response to His mother during the wedding at Cana, where He performed His first miracle by turning water into wine, is a critical early example of the importance of timing in His ministry. When Mary points out the shortage of wine, Jesus replies, "My hour has not yet come." This indicates that even though He was about to perform a miracle, it was not yet time for His full identity and mission to be revealed. This passage sets the stage for how Jesus would control the disclosure of His identity throughout His ministry. While the miracle did demonstrate Jesus' power, it was done in a private setting, hinting that the full revelation of His glory was reserved for a later, more crucial moment. ### The Raising of Lazarus: Waiting for God's Timing **Scripture Reference: [John 11:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11.6&version=AMP)** Another powerful moment where divine timing is central is the raising of Lazarus. In [John 11:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11.6&version=AMP), when Jesus hears of Lazarus’ illness, He intentionally delays going to Bethany. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days. While this delay seems counterintuitive from a human perspective, it serves a greater purpose in revealing Jesus' authority over death. Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+11.25&version=AMP)), and the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection glorifies God by demonstrating Jesus’ divine power at the perfect moment. This event foreshadows Jesus’ own death and resurrection, showing that God’s timing often involves waiting but always serves a greater purpose. ### Call to Action: - Embrace the truth that God’s timing is perfect, even when it involves waiting or appears delayed. Trust that His purposes are always fulfilled in the right moment. ## Theological Themes in Timing ### Jesus’ Submission to Divine Will Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus demonstrates complete submission to the Father’s will and timing. His awareness of "the hour" reflects His obedience and the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. In [John 6:38](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6.38&version=AMP), Jesus declares, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." This emphasis on timing is directly tied to Jesus’ mission to bring salvation through His death and resurrection. Jesus’ submission to the divine timeline is contrasted with human impatience and misunderstanding. His brothers, the crowds, and even the disciples at times could not grasp the full scope of His mission because they expected an immediate fulfillment of the Messianic promises. However, Jesus remained steadfast in His commitment to follow the Father’s perfect timing. ### Call to Action: - Reflect on Jesus' submission to the Father’s will. Consider areas in your life where you may need to surrender your own timing and expectations to God’s plan. ## Timing and the Cross: The Fulfillment of Jesus’ Mission ### The Climax of "The Hour" The culmination of divine timing in John's Gospel is seen in Jesus' crucifixion. Throughout the narrative, references to Jesus’ "hour" build anticipation for the ultimate moment when He would lay down His life for humanity. In [John 12:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12.23&version=AMP), as Jesus prepares for His final week, He declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This statement marks the shift from anticipation to fulfillment. The timing of Jesus’ death is not coincidental but orchestrated by God to coincide with Passover, highlighting Jesus as the true Passover Lamb. In [John 19:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.30&version=AMP), Jesus’ final words, "It is finished," signal the completion of His mission and the fulfillment of divine timing. ### Call to Action: - Contemplate the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and how God’s perfect timing brought about the salvation of the world. Consider how this shapes your understanding of God’s sovereignty over your life. ## Application: Trusting in God’s Timing Today The theme of timing in John's Gospel reminds us that God’s purposes unfold according to His perfect plan. As believers, we are called to trust in His timing, even when it does not align with our own desires or expectations. Whether waiting for answers to prayer, navigating difficult seasons, or seeking direction, the Gospel of John encourages us to rest in the assurance that God is in control. Just as Jesus trusted the Father’s timing, we too must walk by faith, knowing that God works all things according to His will. ### Call to Action: - How can you cultivate greater trust in God’s timing in your life? Reflect on how you can demonstrate faith and patience as you wait for His purposes to unfold. ## Conclusion The theme of timing in John’s Gospel reveals a profound theological truth: God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ unfolds according to His perfect will and timing. From the wedding at Cana to the raising of Lazarus, and ultimately to the cross, Jesus’ life and ministry were marked by His submission to divine timing. The culmination of His mission at the hour of His death brought about the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. As we reflect on the role of timing in the Gospel of John, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s perfect timing for our own lives. Just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s will, we too are called to live in obedience and faith, knowing that God’s timing is always for our good and His glory. --- **Related Concepts:** - [[Divine Sovereignty]] - [[Obedience to God’s Will]] - [[Jesus as the Passover Lamb]] - [[Submission to God’s Plan]] - [[Patience in Waiting]] - [[Faith and Trust in God’s Timing]] - [[The Hour in John’s Gospel]] - [[God’s Perfect Timing]]