The Feast of Tabernacles, John 7:1-18

 

John 7:1 After these things…

This is about six months after chapter six, where He fed the multitude, walked on water, and freaked out some folks by saying, unless you eat My flesh and drink My blood, you have no life in you.

This is about six months before, Passover; the Passover, the one where the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, is slain. On an old rugged cross.  

Jesus has been ministering in Galilee, because He’s on Wanted Posters in Judea. The religious leaders have wanted Him dead, ever since He healed the man at the Pool of Bethesda, on the Sabbath; and then proceeded to tell them how He is equal to God.

John 7:2 Feast of Tabernacles… (Leviticus 23:33-35, 39-43).

This is also the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. Grapes have been gathered, children have helped fill baskets with figs and dates; dreaming of the sweet treats that’ll be made from them. Pomegranates have been pulled. And even now the precious oil from olives is weeping from the weight of the press. (Where in a little while, there at the Mount of Olives, the weight of the world will press as great drops of blood, sweat from our Savior).

But for now, the sweet aroma of God’s provision permeates the air, as does the sweet sound of giggling children as they taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8.

They say families that camp together, are the happiest and healthiest.

Maybe that’s why the Feast of Tabernacles is the hap-happiest time of the year.

An annual family camping trip—even if just to the backyard.

The Feast of Tabernacles, also called, Sukkot (Booths);  is the most joyous of all the feasts. It’s one of the three pilgrimage feasts. Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles. When men are required (if possible) to attend, in Jerusalem.

It’s a Fall feast that begins on the 15^th of Tisri. This year on our calendar it’s: Sept. 29 - Oct. 6, 2023.

The family builds a sukkah; a small hut. It has at least three sides, with a thatch roof, spaced so stars can be seen. The same stars their ancestors slept under during the forty-year wilderness wandering.

For seven days they spend as much time as possible in the Sukkah. They eat in them. Read Scripture commemorating the wilderness wandering, and God’s protection and provision.

Back in Jesus day, the Temple would be lit up with giant menorahs on 75’ poles; the wicks were old garments of the priests. All Jerusalem would be aglow. Resembling the Pillar of Fire by night, in the wilderness. Exodus 13:21-22.

Each day, amidst people singing, cheering and dancing, the Priest draws water with a golden pitcher, from the Pool of Siloam (which means, sent). He carries it up the steep bank to the temple mount. All goes silent as he walks around the altar and then pours out the water. Isaiah 12:3, is quoted and they praise and thank the Creator, for providing rain for the upcoming season.

 

The eighth day is, Shemini Atzeret, a solemn holy day; a Sabbath rest.

This day is the end of Sukkot.

The end of summer. (Thanks-giving to the Creator for a bountiful harvest).

The final Torah reading for the year.

The beginning of prayers to the Creator for rain, for the new season.

Scripture reading of Creation week. (What we just-so-happened to read a few days ago in our Sunday service).

 Now, place yourself in the scene, for it is the main setting for chapter seven. 

John 7:3, With brothers like that…  

In verse one, the Jews in Judea want to kill Him.

His brothers say, go to Judea, in verse three.

Thanks bros.

Jesus had brothers?

Yes, well, half-brothers. Matt. 13:55, tells us His brothers were, James, Joses (Joseph), Simon, Judas (Jude).

Jesus had said, a Prophet is not without honor, except in His own hometown. Now, here, even among His own family. John 4:44, Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24.

But they’ll come around. James becomes head of the Jerusalem Church and writes the book of James. Jude writes, Jude.

John 7:4-5, Prove Yourself...

So, let’s give the brothers the benefit of the doubt. They might’ve been thinking what many were thinking, and still do. That Messiah will come in like a Lion and MIGA—Make Israel Great Again.

If Jesus wanted to become a political or military leader, perhaps the bros gave Him good advice. Go to Jerusalem during the feast, with all the people and the action. Show them Your stuff.

But, good ideas and God ideas, can be worlds apart.

Psalms opens with some Godly advice.

Psalm 1:1-2. Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

Jesus may have listened to their advice, but He didn’t take it. He listened to God, and followed Him. Do that too. 

 

John 7:6, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.”

Divine timing.  By which clock do you walk? Kairos, or chronos? God’s or man’s? Jesus walked by His. Heavens.

Walk by God’s clock and time doesn’t get stolen; wasted; but rather, gets multiplied, prospered.

In God’s time, there’s plenty of time, so peace prevails.

Jesus proved it. He was never in a hurry. Only walked this earth about 33 years, of which only the last 3 ½ years or so, were devoted to His public ministry…and yet, He accomplished everything He set out to do, failed at nothing, changed the world completely; more than anyone ever, in all of HIStory.  

John 7:7, The world hates Truth…

Jesus was telling His bros, the world has no ability to hate you, it doesn’t even know you. But Me, it hates because I convict it of evil.

The Church, (the person) that tells the Truth, will be hated by the world, too.

John 7:8, You go up…

Your timing isn’t everybody’s timing. You go, be blessed, have fun.

My time has not yet come. It’s not time for Me, yet.

Jesus walked, in the fullness of time; Kairos clock.

We should too.

Make no mistake. It was the timing of God’s Divine Destiny that delayed His departure.

NOT FEAR.

Jesus was never moved or motivated by fear.

John 7:9-13 Where is He?

The world may hate Him, but they're watching Him. Will He go to the feast, or not? Will He go to the temple? Where is He? What’s He doing? Saying?

“Complaining” in the original text is, whispering, murmuring; talking about Him.

As the world watched Him then, it still does today, by watching His body, His Church, His Bride.

Dear Christian, the world is watching you, whispering about you. Will they go to the feast, or not? Will they go to the temple (Church)? Where are they? What’re they doing? Saying?

You faithfully going to Church, may be more for your neighbor, whose watching, than for you.

Some said, He’s good, others said, He’s bad. He is Good. Perfect. Yet, He couldn’t please everyone. You can’t either. He didn’t try. We shouldn’t either.

Jesus concerned Himself with pleasing His Father. Not man. We ought to do the same.

They didn’t speak up, because they feared the establishment.

Proverbs 29:25, The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.  

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty, Freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17.

John 7:14 Jesus taught in the temple…

 The word for temple in the original text indicates it could be the temple itself or anywhere on the thirty-five-acre compound. The temple mount had porches, shelters for shade, under which people would gather and rabbis would teach. The Royal porch, or, Solomon’s porch, are probable locations where Jesus taught.

This was nothing new for Jesus. As was His custom, He taught. As was His custom, He often went to the synagogue (assembly) on the Sabbath. It was His custom, to go to Church. Mark 10:1, Luke 4:16.

 

John 7:15; How does He know so much?

The religious elite were offended. Who does He think He is? How can He teach when He's not one of us?  

He didn't even go to our rabbinical school.

 

7:16-18, Will to do His will…

Jesus says, “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know…” John 7:17.

To those who will to do His will, those who want to do what God wants; God gives understanding. They will know His voice, like sheep know their Shepherd’s voice and won’t follow a stranger. The sheep don’t need to know which way to go, they only need to follow their Shepherd, one blade of grass at a time. He will take care of green pastures and still waters. John 10:4-5, Psalm 23.

Notice He doesn’t talk about knowledge or qualification; just desire.

Jesus continues by saying: He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. John 7:18.

Everything Jesus said and did was for an audience of One. What relief and peace we find by following His footsteps.

We’re almost to the climax of the Feast of Tabernacles, our week-long camping trip, and Jesus is about to make a statement that'll have some singing kumbaya and coming back for s'more. And others... about as comfortable as waking in a soggy sleeping bag.

But for now, let’s take a break and say a prayer.

Lord, You know, we’re prone to wander. We know, but our will is weak. You told Your disciples, “pray, that you enter not into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” So, here we are, praying for our spirit that is willing, to lead the flesh, that is weak. Help us to put aside our pride, and seek first Your glory, and Yours alone. Thank You for leading, by example. Help us follow in Your footsteps.

We love you, forever.

Amen.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:26.

 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. ¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. ²⁰ But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20.