Week 7 – John chapter 7 Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles

Every year in early autumn, the people of Israel came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This week-long festival occurred at the time of the harvest of the summer crops (fruit, olives, and grapes). It was to be a time of gratitude for this harvest and also a time of joyful remembrance of God’s faithfulness during their exodus from Egypt. For forty years the people had lived in tents (tabernacles) as God’s Presence led them and provided for them during their journey to the Promised Land. During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Israelites built small makeshift structures of leafy branches and palm fronds, and they would “camp out” in these temporary shelters (“booths” or “tabernacles”) as a reminder of their ancestors’ time in the wilderness, when they had lived in total dependence on God. (see Leviticus 23:33-36, 39-43)

Opposition to Jesus Intensifies

1. Read John 7:1-13 Jesus Delays His Public Appearance in Jerusalem

a. Why was the advice of Jesus’ brothers foolish and insincere? (John 7:1,5)

b. How were public opinions about Jesus becoming polarized? (John 7:11-12)

c. For Personal Reflection: Notice Jesus’ emphasis on the optimal timing for His actions. Jesus did go the Feast, but not in the timing His brothers had expected. Often we feel frustrated because it seems that our hopes and plans are not being accomplished in the timing we have chosen. How can we learn to be more relaxed and accepting of God’s timing in our lives?

2. Read John 7:14-36 Jesus teaches at the Feast of Tabernacles

a. When Jesus began to teach in the temple courts, the Jews were astonished by His wisdom. What did Jesus affirm about the source and the purpose of His teaching? (John 7:16-18)

b. The Jews rejected Jesus as a Law-breaker because He healed on the Sabbath. In what way were these accusing Jews being inconsistent themselves in their adherence to the Sabbath law? (John 7:21-24)

c. As the people of Jerusalem wrestled with whether Jesus might be the promised Messiah (the Christ), what specific misunderstanding caused them to reject Him? (John 7:27)

d. What future event was Jesus referring to in John 7:33-34? Where was Jesus going?

ØFor deeper thought:

Consider the wicked plans of the Jewish authorities (John 7:1, 19, 25, 30, 32) and the plan of God (John 7:33).

What does this teach you about God’s control over the events to come—the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus? The malicious purposes of the Jewish authorities could not thwart the plan of God; nevertheless, at the appointed time, Jesus would be arrested and crucified; He died and was buried. Why did Jesus have to die?

A dramatic component of the Feast of Tabernacles was the water-drawing ceremony. Each day of the Feast, the High Priest would lead a procession to the Pool of Siloam and fill a golden pitcher full of water. This water was carried to the Temple and poured on the bronze altar as a celebration of God’s past provision of water, and a prayer for God’s provision of rain in the next year.

3. Read John 7:37-44 Jesus offers the gift of Living Water

a. As the people in Jerusalem were reflecting on their ongoing need for water to

sustain their physical lives, Jesus made a stunning claim that was intended to cause them to consider their spiritual lives. What invitation does Jesus give on the last day of the Feast? (John 7:37)

b. Who will receive this “living” water? (John 7:38)

c. How does John 4:13-14 add to your understanding of Jesus’ offer?

d. What does this metaphor of “living water” refer to? (John 7:39)

e. What differing responses to Jesus do you see in John 7:40-44?

f. For personal reflection: Our culture is becoming more and more secular in its views. What ideas about Jesus have you seen expressed in 21st century America?

4. Read John 7:45-52 Jesus’ claims arouse awe in some; anger in others

a. Why were the temple security guards reluctant and unwilling to arrest Jesus? (John 7:45-46)

b. The Pharisees were arrogantly confident that their conclusion about Jesus was based on their superior understanding. How did Nicodemus challenge their conceit? (John 7:50-51)

c. For personal reflection: How does Nicodemus’ response serve as an example to you of how to be a voice for Christ in a culture that rejects Christ?

The thirst of our souls can only be satisfied through belief in Jesus