John 7:1-2
John 7:1-2 (WEL) After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, for he would not travel in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the time for the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near.
Chapter summary:
Joseph Benson:
“In this chapter,
- Christ discourses with his brethren about his going up to the feast of tabernacles, and stays some time after them, John 7:1-13.
- Going up privately to Jerusalem, in the midst of the feast, he vindicates his conduct in the temple, and further urges the proofs of his divine mission, John 7:14-24.
- With a reference to various censures passed on him by the Jews, he discourses concerning himself, whence he came, and whither he was going, John 7:25-36.
- On the last day of the feast he graciously invites sinners to believe on him, that they might receive the Holy Ghost in his gifts and graces, John 7:37-39.
- By these, and other gracious speeches, several of the Jews are convinced of his divine mission; and the resolution of some officers, sent by the sanhedrim to apprehend him, is disarmed, and they return without him, to the mortification of the Pharisees, John 7:40-49.”
- A short debate arises between Nicodemus and his brethren, John 7:50-53.
V1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, for he would not travel in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him.
John writes a historical fact since he was present when this happened. An eyewitness is the highest form of witness and evidence.
Galilee is in northern Israel and Judea is the southern part.
The reason Jesus did not go to Jerusalem was the religious leaders who had arranged for Jesus to be killed. It was not the proper time for Jesus to come. That time would come later. Jesus still needed to do a lot of ministry in teaching, healing, etc.
Principle: Avoid conflict if possible. See Proverbs 22:3.
V2 Now the time for the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near.
This historical note pinpoints the time.
What is the Feast of Tabernacles/Sukkot?
It is one of three main annual festivals: 1) Passover, 2) Pentecost, and 3) Tabernacles/Booths.
The Feast/festival of Tabernacles/Booths was 5 days after the Passover. See Leviticus 23:34 and Leviticus 23:39-43. It was to last 7 days. The people would live in Booths/shelters to remind them of the type of shelter Israel had during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. All Jewish men were required to participate. It also is a time of rejoicing at the end of harvest with thankfulness for God’s blessings for the harvest.
We learn:
- Some historical facts from an eyewitness (John).
- A feast/festival that Jesus participated in.
Questions:
- Do you value eyewitness testimony?
- Do you believe John, the Apostle, was this eyewitness?