Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in
Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish
feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to
the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in
secret. John 7:1–2; 10
The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was one of three great feasts
during which the people made a pilgrimage to the Temple in
Jerusalem to commemorate God’s saving action in their lives. This
particular feast was to commemorate the 40 years that the
Israelites traveled through the desert and dwelt in tents, or
booths, as they wandered and were led by Moses. Therefore, the
feast is also referred to as the “Feast of Booths.” During the
seven days of this feast, people would set up tents (booths) around
the Temple area and live in them to commemorate the journey of
their ancestors.
In the Gospel passage quoted above, we read that Jesus went up to
the feast secretly. Saint Augustine explains that this means that
though Jesus was present, the full revelation of His divine
identity was hidden from many. He was physically there, but many
did not know Who He was.
That particular year, when the feast was half over, Jesus appeared
in the Temple area and began to teach. Many were amazed at His
words, and others thought He was possessed. After teaching the
people, there was much disagreement among them about our Lord's
identity. Jesus said to them, “You know me and also know where I am
from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom
you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he
sent me.” In that statement, Jesus essentially was saying that
among those listening to Him, some had come to faith in Him and
discovered His true identity as the Messiah, while others lacked
the gift of faith and remained blind to Him. To them, His divine
essence remained a secret.
In a symbolic way, Jesus’ presence at the Feast of Tabernacles
reveals Him as the new Moses. It was Moses who led the people
through the desert for 40 years toward the promised land while they
dwelt in tents. Our Lord now took on that role of leading the
people who were commemorating this 40-year journey by appearing in
the Temple and pointing the people to Heaven, the true Promised
Land.
Today, our Lord continues to lead His people through the journey of
life by coming to each of us to teach us and to reveal His divine
presence. Some listen and believe and continue on the journey. To
them, the secrets of our Lord are revealed. Others do not believe
and, as a result of their lack of faith, fail to discover the
hidden presence of our Lord all around them.
Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus coming to you during your
long journey through the desert of this life. He initially comes to
you in secret, veiled in His true essence. As He teaches you, He
desires to lift that veil and reveal to You His true glory. He
desires that you dwell with Him through prayer and remain attentive
to His Word. As you gaze upon our Lord, reflect upon the question
of how clearly you hear Him speak each day. He is here, with you
always. But are you with Him? Do you hear Him, believe in Him,
follow Him and serve Him? Do you allow Him to lead you every day
toward His promises of new life? Allow our Lord to pitch His tent
next to yours so that You will daily be attentive to His teaching
and be led by Him to the glories of Heaven.
My hidden Lord, You came to reveal to all people Your burning
love and invitation to eternal life. Please come and dwell with me
during my journey through life, and open my mind and heart to all
that You wish to reveal. May I know You fully and follow You to the
Promised Land of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured images above: But No Man Laid Hands Upon Him By James
Tissot, via Wikimedia Commons
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