John 7:9

With this being said, Jesus does not go to the Feast of Tabernacles.  He remains in Galilee.  John 7:9 EFP 
 
He didn’t go.  He stayed right where he was.  He was in the minority.  He stayed by and watched the hoard pack up and leave town for the festivities.  No doubt there is a tug on Jesus heart as he sees them leave.  He will miss out on the good times.  He will not be able to taste the meals cooked on the campfires and share the conversations with friends and family.  He was missing out.  Or was he?

He is convicted that this is the right course to take.  There is an overarching purpose in play that trumps the expedient desire to do otherwise.  Even if going to the Feast would have been good, he is convinced the time is not right, and he follows that conviction with action consistent with what he believes.  Jesus is a man of steely determination.  I confess my conviction is more overcooked pasta-like than iron-clad. Having said that, I long for the latter.  My life would be different if my actions always were true to my convictions.  There certainly would be more peace within me, even if there might be repercussions around me.  If it’s not right for me, there is no reason to go there, even if everyone else does. I don’t have to judge them for going, I do have to live with myself and the consequences of going against my convictions.  “I think I’ll stay home this time.  Have fun.”