John 10:22-23
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the text mentions it was winter, the more subtle point is that Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch, indicating he sought shelter from the elements, a simple human need amidst his divine mission. This detail humanizes Jesus, showing he wasn't immune to physical discomfort and sought refuge, just like anyone else.
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the temple's rededication after its desecration. While walking in Solomon's Porch to escape the cold, he is confronted by hostile Jews demanding a plain answer about his identity as the Messiah. This confrontation escalates when Jesus asserts his unity with the Father, leading them to accuse him of blasphemy and attempt to stone him.
Why would Jesus be at a feast that wasn't one of the major, divinely commanded festivals? What does this specific celebration reveal about God's faithfulness and human remembrance?
The verse mentions the 'Feast of Dedication,' also known as Hanukkah. This wasn't one of the feasts originally commanded in the Old Testament Law. Instead, it commemorates a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the rededication of the Temple after it had been desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes.
John specifically notes it was winter. Why add this detail? Could it be more than just a weather report?
The detail 'it was winter' is more than just setting the scene; it carries significant symbolic weight in this context.
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.
hierō · Greek Noun
The central place of worship for Israel, where God’s presence dwelt among His people; it represents the intersection of the divine and the earthly.
c. 167 BC
Temple Profaned by Antiochus Epiphanes
Antiochus Epiphanes, seeking to Hellenize Judea, desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem by sacrificing a pig on the altar and erecting pagan idols.
c. 164 BC
Temple Rededicated by Judas Maccabeus
Judas Maccabeus and his followers recaptured Jerusalem and cleansed the Temple. They then rededicated it to God, establishing an annual eight-day festival to commemorate this event.
c. September AD 28
Jesus Attends Feast of Tabernacles
Jesus had previously attended the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, where He taught in the temple, leading to division and opposition from the Jewish authorities.
c. December AD 28— this verse
Jesus at the Feast of Dedication
Jesus attends the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem during winter. He walks in Solomon's Porch of the temple, where He is confronted by Jewish leaders who challenge His claims.
c. December AD 28
This passage describes the original institution of the Feast of Dedication (also called the Feast of Lights or Hanukkah), celebrating the purification and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple after its desecration by Antiochus Epiphanes. John 10:22 directly references this historical event, providing the context for Jesus' presence and teachings.
The phrase 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us' echoes the idea of 'dedication' or 'renewal' found in John 10:22. Just as the temple was rededicated, Jesus' incarnation signifies God dwelling among His people in a new and profound way.
Psalm 40:6-8This Psalm speaks of God's delight in obedience and sacrifice, which ties into the theme of dedication. Jesus' willingness to fulfill His Father's will, even amidst opposition, reflects a deep dedication to His mission.
John 10:27-30Immediately following the mention of the Feast of Dedication, Jesus speaks of His sheep hearing His voice and being eternally secure in His hand and the Father's hand. This profound claim to divine authority and protective power underscores the significance of His presence at the rededication festival.
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 the text mentions it was winter, the more subtle point is that Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch, indicating he sought shelter from the elements, a simple human need amidst his divine mission. This detail humanizes Jesus, showing he wasn't immune to physical discomfort and sought refuge, just like anyone else.
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the temple's rededication after its desecration. While walking in Solomon's Porch to escape the cold, he is confronted by hostile Jews demanding a plain answer about his identity as the Messiah. This confrontation escalates when Jesus asserts his unity with the Father, leading them to accuse him of blasphemy and attempt to stone him.
Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, a winter festival commemorating the temple's rededication after its desecration. While walking in Solomon's Porch to escape the cold, he is confronted by hostile Jews demanding a plain answer about his identity as the Messiah. This confrontation escalates when Jesus asserts his unity with the Father, leading them to accuse him of blasphemy and attempt to stone him.
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Jesus is challenged to 'tell us plainly' if He is the Christ. His response leads to an accusation of blasphemy. What was it about His answer that was so explosive?
The conversation in Solomon's Porch escalates dramatically because Jesus' claims move beyond merely being the Messiah to asserting His divine nature.
Jesus Declares His Unity with the Father
In response to challenges, Jesus asserts His divine unity with the Father. This leads to the Jewish leaders attempting to stone Him for blasphemy, escalating their conflict with Jesus.
"At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon." — While the text mentions it was winter, the more subtle point is that Jesus was walking in Solomon's Porch, indicating he sought shelter from the elements, a simple human need amidst his divine missio…
