Happy Hanukkah! In this December 25 episode, Krysta and Traci begin their new series, in which they will share what they learn about each of the major and minor Biblical celebrations. The sisters begin by explaining why they decided to learn about and practice the Jewish feasts and observances, starting with Hanukkah, otherwise known as the Feast of Dedication.
The hosts share how even the minor feasts teach us the history of God’s holy nation and what he rescued his people from so that Jesus could come. Just like Thanksgiving is meaningful to us as Americans, the Biblical feasts and celebrations are meaningful to our history as believers. Moreover, the scriptures show us how God’s appointed seasons point to the Messiah.
Key Topics Include:
- Jesus went to Jerusalem and was at the temple on Solomon’s porch during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah.
- In John 10:22-31, the Judeans were questioning Jesus on this historical occasion because they were likely hoping that he would be a political and military leader like Judah the Maccabean and overturn the occupation of the Romans.
- Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple after the miraculous victory of the Jews over Antiochus IV in the second century B.C.
- Antiochus IV had persecuted and killed many Jews that did not assimilate to the Greek culture, desecrated the temple, and tried to force all Jews to stop practicing the Torah (law).
- The Jews had been unable to celebrate Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, that year because of the desecration of the temple during the month of Tishrei.
- The temple was rededicated 3 years to the day that the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus had begun. Like Sukkot, they celebrated for 8 nights with the lighting of the temple menorah.
- Daniel’s visions in the Old Testament included the prophecy of Alexander the Great and the kings of Media and Persia, as well as the reign of terror of Antiochus IV.
- Without this victory against the Seleucid army, there would be no practicing Jews remaining in Israel. We know that God fought for his nation, out of which came the Messiah.
Scripture Verses and Resources Mentioned: (From the Complete Jewish Bible version)
- John 10: 22 – 30 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
- Daniel 8: 20 – 21 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king.
- Daniel 11: 21-25 He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time.
- “Celebrating Jesus in the Biblical Feasts” by John Booker can be located at christianbook.com or amazon.com.
- Rabbi Greg Hershberg’s teachings on the Biblical feasts at https://rabbigreg.org/.
Listeners are encouraged to continue reading Jesus’ response to the Judeans in John 10, and to explore the book of Daniel considering why God gave these visions to him. Continue to seek to know God more through prayer and meditating on scripture. The sisters also invite listeners to reach out if they need specific prayer or support. Traci and Krysta continue to pray for those who are listening to the podcast. They invite listeners to share feedback about this week’s topic, submit new topics and questions, or to request prayer by visiting the website iamnotenough.us. They may also choose to follow us on facebook.com.