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Did Jesus Have FOMO?

March 15, 2024

Wisdom 2:1a, 12-24  |  John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30  |  Psalm 34:15-22

I see this gospel (John 7:1–2,10,25–30) as a push-pull between Jesus’s human and divine selves. We hear about Jesus first deciding NOT to go out in public in Judea because he knows people are out to kill him. But then, after his “brothers” – disciples, I am assuming – go to the religious festival of Booths, Jesus decides to follow. Is it possible that Jesus had FOMO (fear of missing out)? I love that idea partly because it would be another sign of just how truly human Jesus was. Why, maybe Jesus is just like me! I see someone’s post on Facebook or Instagram, and I think, gosh, I wish I’d been there! 

The gospel tells us Jesus follows in secret. That doesn’t go very well! It seems Jesus is well known enough that he can’t just hang out without being recognized. In fact, it’s not even clear he tries to be anonymous because there he is, teaching in the temple. I imagine it’s like when we travel to a parent’s house, or a sibling’s and we open the fridge and put our feet up on the coffee table. We are at home! There is a level of comfort for Jesus, too, being in his father’s house so he naturally begins to teach. 

The Jews here have turned against Jesus and what he tells them does not comfort them. He explains who he is but I imagine someone telling me what he told them – it’s a bit of a riddle! He is telling him he is God’s son. Perhaps it is too hard for them to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Maybe they think he’s just another zealot. They obviously consider him a threat and move to arrest him. Somehow, he eludes them. I do wonder, after he escapes, if he was kicking himself – ”why did I think going there was such a good idea?”

He knows and, it seems, is reconciled to his fate. We can’t know exactly what the future holds, and we will sometimes act unwisely, but we can look to this Jesus to help us get back on track.

Elizabeth McNamara