The purifications took place in the Temple and as the people waited their turn, they gathered together in small groups, discussing the news of the day. Their second question listed here seems to indicate they are expecting a negative answer. Phillips translates it as, “Surely he won’t come to the festival?” They considered it unlikely that Jesus would come to the Passover in light of the circumstances, but they underestimated Him. When the time comes for Him to be there, nothing on earth could stop Him from coming.

Do we share the same resolve to do God’s will no matter what may happen to us? Oh, to have the courage of our Master!