Embracing Our Journey: The Feast of Tabernacles

 

Summary

In the midst of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach, offering profound insights into the nature of life, our relationship with God, and the significance of the Feast itself. This teaching is crucial because it brings us face to face with the truth of God, reminding us of our temporary existence in this world and our ultimate dependence on God. The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a vivid reminder of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, living in temporary booths, which symbolizes the transient nature of our earthly life. It calls us to recognize that our lives are not permanent and that we are merely pilgrims on a journey toward eternity.

Jesus used the occasion of the Feast to teach about the law and the deeper spiritual truths it represents. He emphasized that the law and the ceremonies were not ends in themselves but pointed to a greater reality—Himself. The Feast of Tabernacles, with its rituals and sacrifices, was a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make. He is the fulfillment of the law, the embodiment of God's promises, and the source of living water that quenches our deepest thirst.

Moreover, Jesus' teaching highlights our relationship with God. The Feast was a time of holy convocation, a reminder of God's provision and deliverance. It calls us to worship God, acknowledge His sovereignty, and live in accordance with His holy laws. In a world obsessed with security and permanence, the Feast of Tabernacles challenges us to remember that our true security lies in God alone.

Ultimately, Jesus' teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles points to His mission to deliver us from the bondage of sin and lead us to the promised land of eternal life. Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, Jesus came to deliver us from the captivity of sin and death. He tabernacled among us, taking on human flesh, to reconcile us to God and offer us the hope of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the temporary nature of our earthly life. We are pilgrims and strangers in this world, and our true home is with God in eternity. This perspective challenges us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly concerns. [13:48]

- Our relationship with God is central to our existence. The Feast of Tabernacles calls us to worship God, acknowledge His sovereignty, and live according to His holy laws. This relationship is not about religious rituals but about a genuine connection with the Creator. [21:33]

- Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate sacrifice. The rituals and sacrifices of the Feast of Tabernacles point to Jesus, who came to deliver us from sin and reconcile us to God. He is the living water that satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst. [38:31]

- The teaching of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes our dependence on God. In a world that seeks security in material things, we are reminded that true security comes from God alone. Our lives are in His hands, and we must trust Him for our provision and salvation. [32:24]

- Jesus' mission was to deliver us from the bondage of sin and lead us to eternal life. Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, Jesus came to set us free from sin and death. He tabernacled among us, taking on human flesh, to offer us the hope of eternal life. [41:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Feast of Tabernacles
- [01:05] - The Purpose of Preaching
- [02:17] - The Journey to Jerusalem
- [03:53] - Reactions to Jesus
- [05:15] - Jesus Begins to Teach
- [06:32] - The Significance of the Feast
- [08:21] - Lessons from Leviticus
- [10:01] - The Nature of Life
- [13:34] - Our Temporary Existence
- [17:52] - Facing Our Mortality
- [21:10] - Our Relationship to God
- [25:12] - Worship and Sacrifice
- [33:26] - God's Deliverance
- [39:14] - Jesus as the Fulfillment
- [45:01] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus' Teaching

Bible Reading:
1. John 7:14 - "Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught."
2. Leviticus 23:42-43 - "Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God."
3. John 1:14 - "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus teaching in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles? [00:33]
2. How did the Israelites' practice of dwelling in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles serve as a reminder of their history? [08:55]
3. What reactions did Jesus receive from the people and authorities when He began teaching at the feast? [03:53]
4. How does the imagery of Jesus as the "living water" connect to the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles? [06:32]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the temporary nature of the booths during the Feast of Tabernacles reflect the transient nature of our earthly lives? [13:48]
2. In what ways does Jesus fulfill the law and the rituals of the Feast of Tabernacles? [38:31]
3. How does the teaching of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles emphasize our dependence on God rather than on material security? [32:24]
4. What does it mean for Jesus to "tabernacle" among us, and how does this relate to His mission to deliver us from sin? [39:34]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the temporary nature of life. How does this perspective influence your daily priorities and decisions? [13:48]
2. Consider your current relationship with God. How can you deepen this connection beyond religious rituals to a genuine relationship with the Creator? [21:33]
3. In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus as the fulfillment of the law in your life? How does this understanding impact your view of sin and redemption? [38:31]
4. How do you currently seek security in material things? What steps can you take to shift your trust and dependence to God alone? [32:24]
5. Jesus came to deliver us from the bondage of sin. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to Him for true freedom? [41:39]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude and worship into your daily routine, acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty? [31:31]
7. Identify one way you can live with an eternal mindset this week, prioritizing your relationship with God over worldly concerns. [13:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Pilgrims on a Journey Toward Eternity
The Feast of Tabernacles serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary nature of our earthly existence. Just as the Israelites lived in temporary booths during their journey through the wilderness, we too are reminded that our lives here are transient. This perspective challenges us to live with an eternal mindset, prioritizing our relationship with God over worldly concerns. Our true home is with God in eternity, and we are merely pilgrims passing through this world. This understanding should influence how we live our daily lives, encouraging us to focus on what truly matters and to invest in our spiritual journey. [13:48]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one worldly concern that often distracts you from focusing on your eternal journey? How can you shift your perspective to prioritize your relationship with God today?


Day 2: Genuine Connection with the Creator
Our relationship with God is central to our existence, and the Feast of Tabernacles calls us to worship Him, acknowledge His sovereignty, and live according to His holy laws. This relationship is not about religious rituals but about a genuine connection with the Creator. It is a call to move beyond mere observance of traditions and to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God. In doing so, we find true fulfillment and purpose in life, as we align our hearts and lives with His will. [21:33]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your personal relationship with God beyond traditional religious practices? What steps can you take today to cultivate a more genuine connection with Him?


Day 3: Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the ultimate sacrifice. The rituals and sacrifices of the Feast of Tabernacles point to Jesus, who came to deliver us from sin and reconcile us to God. He is the living water that satisfies our deepest spiritual thirst. By understanding Jesus as the embodiment of God's promises, we can appreciate the depth of His sacrifice and the completeness of His work on our behalf. This realization invites us to rely on Him fully for our spiritual nourishment and to trust in His provision for our lives. [38:31]

"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." (Romans 10:4, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the law change your understanding of His role in your life? What is one way you can rely more fully on Him for your spiritual needs today?


Day 4: True Security in God Alone
In a world that seeks security in material things, the teaching of Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles emphasizes our dependence on God. We are reminded that true security comes from God alone, and our lives are in His hands. This understanding challenges us to trust Him for our provision and salvation, rather than relying on temporary and uncertain worldly securities. By placing our trust in God, we find peace and assurance, knowing that He is our ultimate provider and protector. [32:24]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking security in material things? How can you begin to trust God more fully in this area today?


Day 5: Deliverance from Bondage to Eternal Life
Jesus' mission was to deliver us from the bondage of sin and lead us to eternal life. Just as God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, Jesus came to set us free from sin and death. He tabernacled among us, taking on human flesh, to offer us the hope of eternal life. This profound truth invites us to embrace the freedom and new life that Jesus offers, and to live in the light of His deliverance. By accepting His gift of salvation, we are empowered to walk in the fullness of life that He has prepared for us. [41:39]

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' mission to deliver you from sin impact your daily life? What is one step you can take today to live more fully in the freedom He offers?

Quotes



The business of preaching is to bring men and women face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the primary function and task of the church. That is what these gospels do; they just bring us face to face with him because it is the whole contention of the Christian message, the New Testament in particular, that the only hope for men and women is in this person. [00:01:05]

He used the whole occasion as was his custom always in order to bring men and women face to face with the truth of God. He was able to expound the meaning of Feasts in a way that nobody else could. That's why these authorities were so surprised. He was able, as we see in The Sermon on the Mount, to expound the law in a way that they'd never heard before. [00:07:19]

The first object of the Feast of Tabernacles was to remind these people that you can't settle down in this world. It's only temporary. We are here today; we are gone tomorrow. We are all Journeymen; we are sers, pilgrims, and strangers. You know, this is the message of the whole book. This is the great fundamental theme of The Bible. [00:15:00]

The moment we realize our smallness, our frailty, and the precarious nature of the life which we live, we then begin to think of our relationship to God, the one who commanded the feast, the one who gave the detailed instructions as to how it should be kept. My dear friend, my business here is not to give my opinions on current affairs or on these topical matters. [00:21:10]

God is to be worshiped because he's God, because he is who and what he is. He says, I am the Lord your God. The business of the feast was to remind men and women that God has made them and not they themselves, that we are all the products of his work and activity, that all we haven't hold are under his hands. [00:25:12]

We are traveling through a Wilderness, and nothing is so vitally important and urgent for us as that we should realize our dependence upon God. Forget your insurances, forget your plans and schemes. They won't save you. They won't save you from death; they won't save you from judgment; they won't save you from meeting God. [00:32:24]

He came and tabernacled Among Us in order that he might Deliver Us From The Bondage of sin. He came to Deliver Us from the accusations of the law, the temple Commandments, the moral law, the Holiness of God. We are all condemned by it. There is none righteous, no not one. All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. [00:41:39]

The word was made flesh and tabernacled Among Us. Do you know why we're in this Chapel tonight? I'll tell you. It is because the Lord Of Glory, the Son of God, the second person in the Blessed Holy Trinity, left heaven and its glory and its security and its eternity and came on Earth and dwelt in a tent of Flesh, tabernacled Among Us. [00:39:14]

He came down into the Wilderness, the chaos of life, to men and women whom he had seen from the glory in the bondage and the shekel and the Captivity of sin and Satan. He came down and tabernacled among us because he saw people like you and me, slaves of the world and the Flesh and the devil, slaves as much as the Israelites were in Egypt. [00:45:01]

He came to do for us something infinitely bigger and greater even than that which was done for the children of Israel in their captivity and bondage in Egypt. He came and tabernacled Among Us in order that he might Deliver Us From The Bondage of sin. He came to Deliver Us from the accusations of the law, the temple Commandments, the moral law, the Holiness of God. [00:41:39]

He will take us by the hand and introduce us into the Heavenly Canaan of our Everlasting home. He will present us faultless before the presence of God's glory with exceeding Joy. The Liberation, the reconciliation, the Blessed hope that can never fade away. My dear friend, do you realize the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles? [00:45:01]

Have you realized the nature of the life you're living in this world? Had you realized before that your tent is moving hourly nearer this end and this judgment? Had you realized that the Son of God so loved you that he left Eternal Bliss and glory and tabernacled in this world that you might be delivered and might be saved? [00:45:01]

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Transcript
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