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 7:11-13, 25—36, 37-46.

In the last day, that great day of the feast.

Source:                         Alfred Edersheim,

“The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah”

                On the seventh, and last, day of the Feast of Tabernacles worshippers left their booths, carrying the “Lulabh” (myrtle, palm, & willow branches tied together) in their right hands and the “Ethrog” (a species of citron representing the forbidden fruit of Eden) in their left hands.  The multitude divided into three groups; the first going to the temple, the second to cut willow branches to adorn the altar, the third to obtain water from the pool of Siloam.  They arrived through the “Water Gate” (aptly named) welcomed by priestly trumpets, just as the pieces for sacrifice were being laid on the altar.  Wine for the drink offering was poured down a great silver funnel to the altar base.  The multitude shouted, “Raise Your Hand” to the priest who poured the water down another funnel. 

                The great “Hallel” (Psalm 113 – 118) was chanted by the mass of Levites, the multitude answered line by line with, “Hallelu Yah”, and “O give thanks to the Lord”, and ”Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity” (Psalm 118:25).  With each response they shook the Lulabh towards the altar, to express their praise and to remind God of His promises! 

                The loud blasts from trumpets were followed by thunder of voices shouting together, “Raise your hand!”  The resonant voices of the Levites chanting scriptures were followed line by line with deafening hallelujahs.  It was then, after the symbolic outpouring of the water and all were praising God with hearts and voices and hands waving their branches, that a brief and silent pause hushed the multitude.  At that very moment, as the echo of praise faded, Jesus proclaimed, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  What impact did His words have?

                Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.  Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?                 What do you say?