John 10:22
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it was winter, the text subtly highlights that Jesus walked in Solomon's Porch. This wasn't just about seeking shelter from the cold or rain; it was a covered walkway offering protection and a more public space for dialogue, indicating Jesus was intentionally present and accessible amidst the gathering crowd during this significant religious festival.
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple. He's walking in Solomon's Porch, and a group of Jews confronts him, demanding a plain answer about whether he is the Messiah. This exchange escalates when Jesus claims unity with the Father, leading the crowd to accuse him of blasphemy and pick up stones to kill him.
Why did Jesus attend a feast not commanded by the Law? What does the 'Dedication' signify, and why is its historical context so significant?
The Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah or 'Enkainia' (renewal), wasn't part of the original Mosaic Law. It was instituted by Judas Maccabeus to commemorate the purification and rededication of the Temple after it had been desecrated.
A Dark Time, A Bright Hope
Jesus' presence at this feast shows His affirmation of historical acts of God's deliverance and His connection to the ongoing story of His people. It also highlights His willingness to engage with traditions rooted in remembrance of God's saving power.
It was cold and likely raining. Why was Jesus walking in Solomon's Porch? What does this setting reveal about His ministry and the hearts of those who encountered Him?
The verse notes, "it was winter." This wasn't just a casual observation; it sets a scene. Winter in Jerusalem could be harsh, cold, and wet. The Gospel writers often use natural settings to amplify spiritual truths.
Seeking Shelter, Finding Truth
Understand the original words
enkainia · Greek Noun
An annual Jewish festival (Hanukkah) commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 164 B.C. after its defilement by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
The Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, was a relatively recent 'renewal' festival instituted by the Maccabees, unlike the older Mosaic feasts. Jesus' presence and subsequent discourse during this winter festival highlight His ongoing ministry and the escalating conflict with Jewish leaders over His claims.
c. 164 BC
Temple Rededicated by Judas Maccabeus
After Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the Jerusalem Temple, Judas Maccabeus led a revolt, purified the sanctuary, and rededicated it to God. This event is commemorated by the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah).
c. October 19 AD
Feast of Tabernacles
Jesus attended the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Following this feast, He had a confrontation with Jewish authorities, leading Him to withdraw from Jerusalem for a time.
c. December 20 AD— this verse
Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Winter
Jesus is present in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple. The weather is cold and likely rainy, prompting Jesus to walk in Solomon's Porch for shelter.
Soon after the Feast of Dedication
Jesus crosses the Jordan
Following the confrontation at the Feast of Dedication, Jesus leaves Jerusalem and crosses the Jordan River to a location where John the Baptist had previously baptized.
This passage details the historical event that the Feast of Dedication commemorates: the purification and rededication of the Temple after its desecration. It highlights the significance of this event as a renewal of worship for Israel.
This passage also recounts the events leading up to the Feast of Dedication, emphasizing the cleansing and rededication of the Temple and the establishment of the eight-day festival, providing further context for Jesus' presence at this specific time.
This passage shows Jesus making a profound claim about his pre-existence and divine identity ('Before Abraham was, I am') which, like the claims in John 10, led to the Jews attempting to stone him for blasphemy. It reveals a consistent pattern of Jesus asserting divine authority and the resulting hostility.
Psalm 82:6Jesus directly quotes this psalm when defending Himself against the charge of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God. He uses the fact that human judges were called 'gods' in Scripture to argue that His unique relationship with the Father, and His divine mission, is not blasphemy.
John 1:14This verse states that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' It sets the stage for Jesus' divine presence and work in the world, which is directly challenged during the Feast of Dedication, where Jesus asserts His oneness with the Father.
expositorsJohn 10:22: "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter."
Chapter 22JESUS, SON OF GOD. “And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in Solomon’s porch. The Jews therefore came round about Him, and said unto Him, How long dost Thou hold us in suspense? If Thou art the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believe not: the works that I do in My Father’s name, these bear witness of Me…
bensonJohn 10:22: "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter."
John 10:22-23 . And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication — Or, as εγενετο δε τα εγκαινια may be rendered, Now the feast of dedication came on at Jerusalem: for it does not appear that the preceding discourses, from John 7:14 , were delivered at this feast, but at the feast of tabernacles. Dr. Campbell reads, Once, when they were celebrating the feast of dedication, it being winter, as Jesus walked,…
While it was winter, the text subtly highlights that Jesus walked in Solomon's Porch. This wasn't just about seeking shelter from the cold or rain; it was a covered walkway offering protection and a more public space for dialogue, indicating Jesus was intentionally present and accessible amidst the gathering crowd during this significant religious festival.
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple. He's walking in Solomon's Porch, and a group of Jews confronts him, demanding a plain answer about whether he is the Messiah. This exchange escalates when Jesus claims unity with the Father, leading the crowd to accuse him of blasphemy and pick up stones to kill him.
Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple. He's walking in Solomon's Porch, and a group of Jews confronts him, demanding a plain answer about whether he is the Messiah. This exchange escalates when Jesus claims unity with the Father, leading the crowd to accuse him of blasphemy and pick up stones to kill him.
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Jesus, the source of life and warmth, was present even in the bleakest circumstances, offering truth and hope amidst opposition.
"At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter," — While it was winter, the text subtly highlights that Jesus walked in Solomon's Porch. This wasn't just about seeking shelter from the cold or rain; it was a covered walkway offering protection and…
