Why would Jesus deliberately hide from the crowds? In John 7:10-13, we discover a forgotten truth that will challenge everything you think about following Christ. This isn't about Jesus being afraid—it's about Him testing who will seek Him when it costs something. What you'll discover in this sermon: ✓ Why Jesus went "as it were in secret" to the Feast of Tabernacles ✓ The difference between thrill-seekers and truth-seekers in your faith ✓ How private devotion in the secret place creates public courage ✓ What it means when "everybody's talking about Jesus, but nobody's talking FOR Jesus" ✓ The spiritual game of hide-and-seek God plays to refine His followers ✓ Why comfortable Christianity might be costing you more than you realize The piercing question this passage forces us to face: Are you only following Jesus when it's convenient? When the crowd approves? When there's no cost? Pastor Fortunato unpacks the deliberate strategy behind Christ's hiddenness in John chapter 7—and reveals why God sometimes withdraws from public view not because He's afraid of His enemies, but because He's testing His friends. You'll learn why time in the secret place with God is essential before you can speak up in the public square. This expository sermon on John 7:10-13 explores the cost of discipleship, the danger of religious activity without private prayer, and the biblical pattern of God hiding to see who will truly seek Him. From Moses at the burning bush to Elijah hearing God's still small voice, Scripture shows us that the search refines the seeker. If following Jesus has become too comfortable, this message is for you. 🎯