Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles

In keeping with God’s commands (Leviticus 23:34-37), Jesus would have been careful to observe the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). But at a time when many had decided not to follow Him anymore, His brothers urged Him to go to Jerusalem for the Feast. Why? So people could see what He was doing. Not believing Him, they seemed to be daring Him to prove His claims.

Yet Jesus was not concerned about public opinion. His focus was on pleasing God and following His timetable. He responded, “My time is not yet here.”

While others went to Jerusalem for the Feast, He initially stayed in Galilee. Eventually He went, but in secret rather than publicly.

Things changed, however, after Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. There the crowds were “grumbling” about Him. In this environment, He spoke out, continuing to point people to God and declare His desire to please and obey the Father. Then He taught about the Spirit: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”

It was not by accident that these things happened during the Feast of Tabernacles. For this was a time when God’s people were called to remember all that He had done for them. Jesus was pointing people toward the ultimate fulfillment of this Feast and to His own sacrifice on the Cross. He also was teaching the importance of obedience and being sensitive to God’s timing.

Today at sundown begins this year’s celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. Make this a time to refocus your life on pleasing and serving God. Synchronize your life with HIS timetable!