PHOTOPHILIC

Faith in Christ Jesus:

2 Timothy 1:12 defines FAITH as knowing the trustworthy character and motives of Jesus, and being confident in His limitless promise-keeping ability, and consequently committing yourself entirely to His keeping.  We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions:  1) What is revealed of Jesus’ character, motives, and abilities? 2) What is indicated that you could confidently commit to Jesus’?

John 10:22-42,  Feast of Dedication

     After the death of Alexander the Great, the Greek Empire was divided among his four generals.  Antiochus had the Jewish High Priest assassinated and replaced. He instituted Greek customs and ordered the Jewish religion abolished, replacing it with pagan gods. His forces desecrated the Temple by slaughtering a swine on the altar and erecting a statue of Zeus with his own likeness in the sanctuary.  Judas Maccabee led the three year revolt, which ended with the cleansing and dedication of the Temple. 

     Hanukkah, “The Feast of Dedication”, is an eight day festival of lights to celebrate the ancient victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians. It is popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” because it celebrates the miracle of the Temple lamps remaining lit for “eight” days although there was only enough oil to fuel them “one” day.  Typically, every home was lighted by a single lamp on the first night, increasing to eight on the last night.

     JESUS RETURNED TO JERUSALEM FOR THIS FEAST.  The Jews seek to entrap Him with His Words, but He points them to His Works instead.  It is very important to note the relationship and promise Jesus has with His sheep! 

Relationship:

• My sheep hear My voice.

• I know them.

• They follow Me.

• They shall never perish.

Promise:

• I give them eternal life.

• No one can pluck them out of my hand.

Jesus’ purpose and works are identical with those of the Father, indicating that Jesus is also identical with the Father in essence and power.  Blasphemy to the Jews!  Jesus appeals, not to the prophets, but to the judges who received direct command and authority to act from God.  This removed the legal grounds for stoning Jesus, because His acts were certifiably by divine power!