I love festivals! When I lived in Miami, I looked forward to President’s Day Weekend and the Coconut Grove Art Festival. Artists and artisans set up booths and it was an open-air gallery. In today’s chapter 7 in John’s Gospel, we have Jesus attending the annual Festival of Tabernacles (or Shelters), known to the Jews as Sukkot. It was the equivalent of our 4th of July, Thanksgiving and New Years all rolled into one. Party time!
Jews still celebrate it today. It was ordered by God back in the Old Testament. They traveled from all over to Jerusalem to set up their shelters.
“Each year every man in Israel must celebrate these three festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Festival of Harvest (Pentecost), and the Festival of Shelters (Tabernacles / Sukkot). On each of these occasions, all men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he chooses, but they must not appear before the Lord without a gift for him. (Sacrifice)
Deuteronomy 16:16 NLT
Sukkot lasted 7 days — they were the holiest and greatest days. On the last day, the temple priest would go down in a procession to the Pool of Siloam to draw water. He’d then pour the water on the altar where they do the sacrifices, washing off all the blood. It was a reminder of how God drew water from a rock for the people in the wilderness (Exodus 17). The priest would then walk around the altar 7 times. This commemorated the victory at Jericho when Joshua was told to have the people walk around the city 7 times. It also looked forward to the day that God would pour out the water of His Spirit onto His people (Acts 2). It’s at this time when Jesus speaks up (verse 37-52).
In today’s story, verses 1-10 lead up to the festival. Verses 11-36 take place during the feast. Finally, verses 37-52 happen on the last day of the feast as the priest is pours the water. This is important to know because of what Jesus says. Pay attention. Let’s dig in….
Jesus said, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” ~ Revelation 3:22 NLT – this is repeated 14 times in scripture. Kind of gives the idea that God wants us to pay attention.
If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then…
Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.
Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly…
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Jesus is coming back soon! Are you ready?
Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory!
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