John 6:71-7:2

71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him. 

2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.

John’s Symbolism and God’s Amazing Word

Chapter 6 ends with John revealing that Judas Iscariot was the disciple that Jesus referred to in verse 70 as “a devil”. He would be the one who would betray Jesus. 

Chapter 7 begins with Jesus walking or traveling in Galilee. It was not safe for Him in Judea anymore. The Jewish leaders wanted Him dead. They did not believe He was the Messiah, and saw Him as a blasphemer.

In verse 2, it says that the “Feast of Tabernacles was at hand”. This was also referred to as the “Feast of Booths”. The Feast of Tabernacles or “Sukkot” was instituted by God in Leviticus 23:33-44. It was celebrated in the seventh month beginning on the fifteenth day of that month. It was an eight day celebration where people would live in tents or “booths” during the feast to remind them of the time when their ancestors were wandering in the wilderness living in tents after Mt. Sinai. This feast took place at the end of the harvest, and was a time to give thanks for all of God’s blessings. We have learned that John’s gospel has lots of symbolism in it, and holds much deeper spiritual connections than the other three gospels. In chapter 6 John used the Passover feast as a symbolic backdrop for the miraculous feeding of the 5000. The Passover commemorated God delivering the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. The connections that John makes to the exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the mountain at Sinai, the wilderness wanderings, and the manna from heaven in his account of this miracle are amazing. This miracle or “sign” as John called it, led up to Jesus’ revealing and teaching throughout the rest of chapter 6 that He is the “bread of life”. The mention of this “Feast of Tabernacles” at the beginning of chapter 7 will hold this same type of symbolism as we read and write through this chapter and the next two. 

If the world could only see the magnificence of the Bible…..the connections between the Old and New Testaments, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the common thread throughout its entirety, the providence of God working throughout it, and the grace and mercy that God has shown humankind since the beginning. If only the world could see that everything God has done has been to bring salvation, through His Son, to His created people whom He loves beyond measure. He did all this for us, even though we don’t deserve any of it. God could have given up on us, but He didn’t. He hasn’t. He is such a patient Father, and I am so thankful for Him. God’s Word is perfect, and has everything in it that we need to know in order to live a blessed life while we are here, and then live eternally with Him in heaven. 

Below are two of my favorite verses. Together they express how I feel about God’s Word. His Word is my lamp. It sheds light on which path I need to take, and keeps me on that lighted path. I believe 100% of God’s Word to be truth, because it is inspired by God Himself. It is 100% perfect. God’s Word convicts me when I need it, completes my life, and equips me for anything that I might have to face in this life, and finally……it lights the path to heaven for me.

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

I have one piece of advice for everyone reading this right now. Find a way to let God speak to you through His perfect Word every day. You need it. You crave it, and you don’t even realize it. We don’t miss what we never experience. Find a way to experience His Word, and let it work in your life. You will never regret the time that you spend with Him. 

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about how to be saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus, and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves…..and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t or you are not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are…..believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better…..to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you Father for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan that God has set forth in His Word, for humankind to receive His grace that leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)