* Jesus’ brothers thought He wanted to build a public platform.

* vs 5 - they wanted Him to prove Himself.

* If He could just go to a big public festival and do some tricks everyone would believe in Him.

* Often times platform builders are out to do just that - prove themselves that they are worthy of the platform they have.

* It’s ultimately a sign of their own insecurity.

* vs 6-7 - But Christ said He wasn’t there to build a platform but to tear one down - Satan’s!

* His time in the public eye would come, but He wasn’t going to kick doors open and rush it.

* We learn two lessons from this:

* 1) Don’t reach for a platform and try to get your name out there - park your ambition and let Jesus bring it to you.

* 2) When you get a platform, use it as an altar so you can burn.

* vs 13 in NLT - "But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders."

* They wanted Him to go public while they stayed in private out of fear for being associated with Him.