03.22. To Jerusalem for a festival

To Jerusalem for a festival At some stage during Jesus’ ministry he spent time in Jerusalem for certain Jewish feasts (or festivals). One of these was the week-long Feast of Tabernacles, sometimes called the Festival of Shelters.¹ The name came from the temporary shelters Jews lived in during the festival, in memory of their ancestors’ years in the wilderness.

Jesus was with his brothers in Galilee at the time, and was no doubt disappointed at their continued refusal to believe in him. He would not go to the feast to promote himself (which was what his brothers suggested), though later in the week he made a quiet and unannounced entry. It was difficult, however, for him to remain unnoticed, because he was a controversial figure. Some thought he was a good man, but others wanted to kill him.² When Jesus began to teach in the temple, the controversy increased. As often happened, Jewish legalists criticized him for doing his healing works on the Sabbath, and Jesus responded by accusing them of hypocrisy. Far from trying to appease them, he stirred them up further by asserting that he had come from heaven, and one day would return. Not only would his opponents then be rid of him, but they could be assured of never seeing him again, because there was no way that unbelievers like them could ever reach heaven.³

Eternal life was available, however, to all who recognized their spiritual need and came to Jesus in true faith.⁴ The response to this was mixed. Some believed, some were confused, and some were opposed. Even the Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin, was divided. The leaders tried unsuccessfully to arrest him, but one member, Nicodemus, knew Jesus better and asked that at least he be given a fair hearing.⁵ Nicodemus’ pleading failed. It was now clear that the Jewish leaders were not interested in finding out the truth about Jesus. They just wanted him out of the way, preferably dead.

1. John 7:2; Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:13-15

2. John 7:1-13 3. John 7:19-23; John 7:28-30; John 7:33-34

4. John 7:37-39

5. John 7:40-51

Temporary shelter, Feast of Tabernacles