Jesus public ministry lasted three to four years. From the middle of that time until the cross, there was significant criticism and resistance. In John 7 John 7 Jesus is avoiding Judea because people there want to kill Him, even as His siblings manifest unbelief by pushing Him to go there and declare Himself. Despite many signs and miraculous works deep seated confusion exists among the people as to whether Jesus is the Christ. God is speaking to many hearts, with some listening and others reasoning. There is much talk both affirming and doubting Jesus as God’s Son and the Messiah (John 7:1; 7:11-13; 7:25-27; 7:30-32; 7:40-43). The city is over-crowded with people there for the Feast of Tabernacles, a joyous eight day remembrance of being brought through a forty year wilderness experience, and into their Promised Land.
How does Jesus keep moving forward in ministry? How does Jesus avoid being burdened down with the opposition and misunderstandings surrounding Him? How does He continue to be a conduit for God’s love, while receiving so much resistance? The last verse of John 7, and the first verse of John 8 are an excellent clue. While many are struggling with who He is and how to respond, they go home. He goes to the Mount of Olives. I’m suggesting many are attempting to reason it out, and He has gone to the mountain to pray. The synoptic gospels give helpful insight into Jesus not going “home”. Mark 1:35 “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” (Also see Matt 14:23; Luke 6:12)
In Luke 11:1 we see the intro to the Lord’s Prayer teaching is a request “Lord, teach us to pray …”. In Luke 11:2-4, the Lord’s Prayer, we have a prayer model that is focused on God and His Kingdom’s advancement. Are we asking for people to be shown they’ve treated us or someone else wrong when we should be focused on God’s glory and purpose? A reading of Jesus prayer in John 17 will be found to be consistent with the Lord’s prayer.