What does John 7:6 mean?

Jesus' response to His brothers' mocking provides an important perspective. Their teasing assumed that Jesus was merely seeking attention, and so He should want to go out in public and put on a show. However, Christ's intent was not to simply draw a crowd; His goal was to explain the truth (John 6:25–29). For many people, truth conflicts with their preferences, causing them to ignore the message (John 6:66).

In addition, Jesus has been keeping away from Jerusalem to delay the inevitable conflict with the Jewish religious leaders (John 7:1). His time to be publicly proclaimed as Messiah is yet in the future (John 12:12–15), as is His sacrificial death (John 19:18). Jesus' brothers, on the other hand, are already fulfilling their purpose. Their "time had already come," in that sense. Jesus has greater concerns to keep in mind.

In parallel with this, Jesus' brothers did not face the same spiritual hostility as He did. Jesus' life and ministry were focused on exposing the sin of the world, pointing to a need for a savior (John 7:7). When, where, and how His brothers attended such festivals was unimportant. Christ, on the other hand, had to carefully consider how He presented Himself, and when.