HANUKKAH AND JESUS II A SERMON FROM JOHN 10:22
Channel: Sovereign Grace Community
Date: 2024-02-27

This verse represents a leap in time. Everything from chapters 7, 8, 9, and so far in chapter 10 occurred in a single sequence at the **Feast of Booths**, which is held in the fall. The narrative ended with the crowd's divided reaction to Jesus' teachings. Now, we move several months ahead to the **Feast of Dedication**, which occurs in early winter. This feast, also known as the **Festival of Lights** or **Hanukkah**, is not one of Israel's mandatory celebrations but has significant symbolism. During this time, Jesus engages in a conversation with religious leaders who become increasingly hostile. In the following verses, they will even attempt to stone Him. This encounter marks the last time Jesus debates these religious leaders before His crucifixion .

In summary, John 10:22–42 takes place a few months after the controversy described in earlier chapters. Jesus faces overt threats from the same religious leaders He has been challenging. He emphasizes His divine identity as the Christ, using metaphors of sheep and shepherd, but these leaders refuse to accept Him . The tension escalates, leading to another attempt on Jesus' life, which He miraculously avoids.
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