"Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jewish Leaders there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world."
Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." Having said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, "Where is that man?"
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:1-10, 37-38)
I’m no expert on ancient Jewish customs, but I’ve been told that the Feast of Tabernacles (The Festival of Sukkot) begins the fifth day after Yom Kippur and lasts for seven days. It is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays of the year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful.
Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. It is also a harvest festival and is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Ingathering (similar to Thanksgiving).
The word "Sukkot" (sue-COAT) means "booths," and refers to the temporary dwellings lived in during this holiday in memory of the period of wandering. The name "Feast of Tabernacles" isn't very useful. The word "tabernacle" in the Bible refers to the portable Sanctuary in the desert, a precursor to the Temple. (Judaism 101: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday5.htm)
On the seventh day of the Feast a basin of water is paraded around and used during the time of worship. What Jesus did was equivalent to stopping a 4th of July parade in Washington D.C., taking the American flag that led the parade and laying it on the ground, and declaring that real freedom comes not from our flag, our Constitution, political legislation or military strength—Jesus declared Himself to be the real Source of what they celebrated.
Jesus offers spiritual satisfaction. He also offers real freedom—the kind of freedom that doesn’t need defending militarily because it cannot be taken away. I know people who live in America and enjoy great freedom, but who are spiritually in bondage and miserable. I also know people who live in restrictive nations where personal freedoms are limited and constantly monitored, but because of Jesus they enjoy a freedom that no government can touch.
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31-36)
Freedom is contingent upon knowing the truth; and knowing the truth is found in “holding to Jesus’ teaching.” Jesus claims to be the Source of real satisfaction and real freedom. Got satisfaction?
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