Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles. John 7, 10-53.
The murmuring concerning Jesus: V. 10. But when His brethren were gone up, then went He also up unto the feast, not openly, but, as it were, in secret. V. 11. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast and said, Where is He? V. 12. And there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him; for some said, He is a good man; others said, Nay; but He deceiveth the people. V. 13. Howbeit no man spake openly of Him for fear of the Jews.
Jesus let His brothers, with their peculiar ideas concerning Messianic revelations, go up to the capital alone. But after they were gone, He started out on His journey to the feast, with none of the publicity which they had recommended. It was for that reason that He had refused to go with them openly, because the attention which it would draw on the way and on His arrival in Jerusalem would not be beneficial to the cause. He went secretly, in order not to cause excitement and to irritate the Jews into such a mental condition that they would carry out their murderous design at once.
The object of His journey was only to teach in Jerusalem once more, to preach the Gospel of redemption through His Word and work. But many of the Jews were expecting Him; they were making inquiries concerning Him and His whereabouts. But all this was done quietly, in order not to arouse attention. Even the disputatious murmuring and wrangling concerning Him and His work was done under cover.
Some in the multitude took His part, considering Him a good man, whose intentions could not be bad; others just as vehemently denounced Him as a seducer and deceiver of the people. But all this had to be done in strict secrecy; their discussions had to be suppressed and be carried on in low tones. All waited for the authorities of the Church to give their decision.
Note: The unbelievers of all times may be classified in much the same manner as in this passage. The one class believes Jesus to be a champion of virtue, the other holds the opinion that He is a deliberate liar and cheat.