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John-7

Jesus Fulfils the Feast of Tabernacles: A Devotional Study on John 7​

Introduction​

The Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Booths, was a significant religious festival in ancient Israel. It celebrated God's provision during their exodus from Egypt and signified the hope of future bountiful harvests. In John 7, we witness Jesus' participation in this monumental festival. Scripture records Jesus declaring that He fulfils theFeast of Tabernacles, revealing deep spiritual insights that will take us on a meaningful devotional journey.

Section 1: Jesus' Brothers Suggest He Should Go to the Feast (John 7:1-3)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus' brothers were still sceptical of His ministry, dismissing Him as an unknown prophet. Despite their contempt, we see the significance of Jesus' attendance at the feast. His presence was evidence of God's providence and guidance in His life. May we learn to trust in God's direction in our lives, following Jesus' example.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we trust in God's guidance as Jesus did, despite external criticisms or doubts?
  • In what ways can we heed Jesus' example of following God's direction, even amidst disapproval from others?

Section 2: Jesus Reveals the Time Has Come for Him to Be Glorified (John 7:4-8)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus' statement, "My time is not yet here," reflected His obedience to the Father's will. Despite Jesus' popularity and prestige, He waited for the designated time to be glorified - a reflection of His faithfulness to God's perfect timing. Take time to reflect on the importance of God's timing and how Jesus embodied it.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can we trust in God's timing, just as Jesus did?
  • How can we accept and embrace God's perfect timing, even when we may not understand it?

Section 3: Jesus' Words at the Feast (John 7:9-10)​

Devotional Thought: At the feast, Jesus testified that He fulfilled the promise of God. He went beyond the physical provision and signified the spiritual revelation of Christ for the world. At the heart of Jesus' statement, we explore the significance of fulfilling God's promises.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what ways can we fulfil God's promises in our lives, following Jesus' example?
  • How can we seek and draw closer to Jesus as the spiritual fulfilment of God's promises?

Section 4: Jerusalem's Response to Jesus (John 7:11-13)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus' teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles led to a mixed response from the people. Some wanted to arrest Him, while others lingered, wanting to hear more. The mixed response may expose the complexity of belief and doubt in our lives, but we can learn from Jesus' resilience and persistence.

Reflection Questions:

  • How might we respond to the mixed reactions we encounter as we follow Jesus' teachings?
  • How can we remain faithful and persistent in our spiritual walk, despite the complexity of mixed responses?

Section 5: Jesus' Teachings at the Feast (John 7:14-39)​

Devotional Thought: Jesus continued to teach at the Feast for additional days, linking water and the Spirit to reveal the promise of eternal life. Jesus' teaching of water as a symbolism for spiritual living and the power of the Holy Spirit stresses the depth of spiritual insight at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Reflection Questions:

  • How can we draw spiritual insights by linking water and the Spirit, following Jesus' example?
  • How can we heed the spiritual teaching from Jesus during the Feast of Tabernacles, cleansing our spiritual lives with water and forging deep connections with the Holy Spirit?

Conclusion:​

As we conclude our devotional journey through John 7, we are left with the deep spiritual insights Jesus shares during the festival. His words testified that He fulfilled God's promises and revealed the significance of the spiritual provision of Christ. May we follow Jesus' example of faithfulness to God's timing and persistence in spiritual teaching, even as we encounter a mixed response from the world. Let us draw spiritual insight by linking water and the Holy Spirit, cleansing our spiritual lives and forging deep connections with the eternal source.