Hanukkah
The Festival of Dedication (aka Festival of Lights)
25 Kislev - 2 Tevet
Originally, I delivered this message to 3 different Churches in the Wairarapa, New Zealand in December 2011 - I have subsequently updated some of the information and dates relating to Hanukkah in 2018.
Daniel 8:1-14; Luke 2:25-32; John 10:22-30 - Taken from the New International Version (NIV)
Daniel’s Vision of a Ram and a Goat
In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me. 2 In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal. 3 I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. 4 I watched the ram as it charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great.
5 As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. 6 It came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at it in great rage. 7 I saw it attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering its two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. 8 The goat became very great, but at the height of its power the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. 12 Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.
13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?”
14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
Luke 2:25-32 (NIV)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony - John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims - John 10:22-30 (NIV)
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Daniel 8:1-14; Luke 2:25-32; John 10:22-30 - Taken from the New International Version (NIV)
Daniel’s Vision of a Ram and a Goat
In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me. 2 In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal. 3 I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. 4 I watched the ram as it charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against it, and none could rescue from its power. It did as it pleased and became great.
5 As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. 6 It came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at it in great rage. 7 I saw it attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering its two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against it; the goat knocked it to the ground and trampled on it, and none could rescue the ram from its power. 8 The goat became very great, but at the height of its power the large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven.
9 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. 12 Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground.
13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?”
14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
Luke 2:25-32 (NIV)
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony - John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims - John 10:22-30 (NIV)
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Hanukkah is celebrated from 25th Kislev to 2nd Tevet (Hebrew calendar) which falls between 3 and 10 December on the Gregorian calendar in 2018. It begins at sundown on 2 December and ends at sundown on 10 December.
It commemorates cleansing and re-dedicating the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after its desolation by the Seleucid army of the Emperor Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Hanukkah has been celebrated by the Jews since 164 BC
It commemorates cleansing and re-dedicating the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after its desolation by the Seleucid army of the Emperor Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Hanukkah has been celebrated by the Jews since 164 BC
Historical Background
“Hanukkah” (the word means “dedication” in Hebrew) is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and deliverance.
The events it celebrates took place during the inter-testamental period, in approximately 165-163 B.C.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes: The Anti-Christ of the Old Testament.
The name or title he gave himself was ‘Epiphanes’ meaning the “the manifest god” or “Illustrious One” but the Jews nicknamed him Epimanes, meaning “madman.”
He ruled over the Syrian section of Alexander the Great’s Empire. He was 8th in a succession of 26 kings who ruled from 175-164 BC
He is referred to as “the little horn” in Daniel 8:9 in the context of the third (Greek) kingdom.
He was one of the vilest archetypes of the Antichrist in all of God’s word.
Over 150 years earlier, Alexander the Great had conquered the entire ancient world of the Eastern Mediterranean. Upon his early death, four of his generals divided up his empire.
The area of Judea eventually came under the control of the Syrian (Seleucid) Emperor Antiochus IV “Epiphanes.” He was also known as ‘the pig’ and ‘the madman’.
The persecutions began in the year 173 BC when the High Priest Onias III, also known as Onias the righteous was replaced by his wicked brother Jason.
Jason received that position by bribing Antiochus Epiphanes, one year later in 172 BC he was replaced by an even more wicked brother Menelaus.
Onias was the only biblically legitimate High Priest according to the law of Moses.
From then on until the year 164 when Antiochus Epiphanes died the priests were appointed by him and were not legitimate. Therefore they would not have had the authentic anointing and authority of the Holy Spirit.
“Hanukkah” (the word means “dedication” in Hebrew) is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and deliverance.
The events it celebrates took place during the inter-testamental period, in approximately 165-163 B.C.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes: The Anti-Christ of the Old Testament.
The name or title he gave himself was ‘Epiphanes’ meaning the “the manifest god” or “Illustrious One” but the Jews nicknamed him Epimanes, meaning “madman.”
He ruled over the Syrian section of Alexander the Great’s Empire. He was 8th in a succession of 26 kings who ruled from 175-164 BC
He is referred to as “the little horn” in Daniel 8:9 in the context of the third (Greek) kingdom.
He was one of the vilest archetypes of the Antichrist in all of God’s word.
Over 150 years earlier, Alexander the Great had conquered the entire ancient world of the Eastern Mediterranean. Upon his early death, four of his generals divided up his empire.
The area of Judea eventually came under the control of the Syrian (Seleucid) Emperor Antiochus IV “Epiphanes.” He was also known as ‘the pig’ and ‘the madman’.
The persecutions began in the year 173 BC when the High Priest Onias III, also known as Onias the righteous was replaced by his wicked brother Jason.
Jason received that position by bribing Antiochus Epiphanes, one year later in 172 BC he was replaced by an even more wicked brother Menelaus.
Onias was the only biblically legitimate High Priest according to the law of Moses.
From then on until the year 164 when Antiochus Epiphanes died the priests were appointed by him and were not legitimate. Therefore they would not have had the authentic anointing and authority of the Holy Spirit.
Antiochus attacked Judea ruthlessly slaughtering men, women and children, and invading the Temple. He tried to force the Jews to accept Greek culture, and forbade worship of Israel’s God, he also forbade circumcision, Shabbat observation and keeping kosher.
There are some interesting parallels to note here that in 2012 Germany was looking at passing legislation to forbid religious circumcisions, Finland was also looking at similar legislation which targets both Jewish and Islamic customs. Other European countries indicated they would follow suit. Our own Minister of Primary Industries in 2011, was looking at legislation to outlaw ‘kosher’ slaughtering methods in New Zealand but after dialogue with the Jewish Community leaders and a backlash from supporters he took it off the agenda!
A French politician (Marine LePen from the National Front) called for a ban on Jewish men wearing their yarmulkes or kippot (skull caps) in public along with calling for a ban on Islamic head coverings as well. These are anti-Semitic calls and are the same tactics used by Nazi Germany prior to the Holocaust.
To show his contempt for the God of Israel Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the Temple by ordering the sacrificial killing and cooking of a pig and pouring its broth on the altar then erecting a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies!
Antiochus had over 80,000 men, women and children killed. He sold 40,000 more into slavery. The Temple was robbed of its treasures and dedicated to Zeus.
He substituted the Jewish feasts with drunken revelry and idolatry – worshipping Bacchus (pleasure and wine), and Saturn (licentiousness).
He forbade the reading of the Holy Scriptures and had anyone caught with them thrown off the highest wall in Jerusalem with their children. Babies who had been circumcised were slain then hung around the necks of their mothers who were then killed. The atrocities against the Jews at this time are really too hideous to recount. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded more detail in his book Antiquities, and it is also recorded in detail in the Apocrypha in 1 Maccabees 1:20-28 and 2 Maccabees 5: 11-17.
In ancient Greek culture, contests were always held with the participants naked, this practice was very offensive to the Jews.
Antiochus introduced Gymnasia (athletics) to Israel.
There are some interesting parallels to note here that in 2012 Germany was looking at passing legislation to forbid religious circumcisions, Finland was also looking at similar legislation which targets both Jewish and Islamic customs. Other European countries indicated they would follow suit. Our own Minister of Primary Industries in 2011, was looking at legislation to outlaw ‘kosher’ slaughtering methods in New Zealand but after dialogue with the Jewish Community leaders and a backlash from supporters he took it off the agenda!
A French politician (Marine LePen from the National Front) called for a ban on Jewish men wearing their yarmulkes or kippot (skull caps) in public along with calling for a ban on Islamic head coverings as well. These are anti-Semitic calls and are the same tactics used by Nazi Germany prior to the Holocaust.
To show his contempt for the God of Israel Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the Temple by ordering the sacrificial killing and cooking of a pig and pouring its broth on the altar then erecting a statue of Zeus in the Holy of Holies!
Antiochus had over 80,000 men, women and children killed. He sold 40,000 more into slavery. The Temple was robbed of its treasures and dedicated to Zeus.
He substituted the Jewish feasts with drunken revelry and idolatry – worshipping Bacchus (pleasure and wine), and Saturn (licentiousness).
He forbade the reading of the Holy Scriptures and had anyone caught with them thrown off the highest wall in Jerusalem with their children. Babies who had been circumcised were slain then hung around the necks of their mothers who were then killed. The atrocities against the Jews at this time are really too hideous to recount. The Jewish historian Josephus recorded more detail in his book Antiquities, and it is also recorded in detail in the Apocrypha in 1 Maccabees 1:20-28 and 2 Maccabees 5: 11-17.
In ancient Greek culture, contests were always held with the participants naked, this practice was very offensive to the Jews.
Antiochus introduced Gymnasia (athletics) to Israel.
At that time there were Israelites who became known as ‘Hellenisers’ “those who have violated the covenant” who readily accepted the ways of the Greeks and forsook the ways of their fathers (God’s ways) – some even had a 'pick and mix' mentality of mixing God’s ways with the ways of the world i.e. serving in the temple then casting off their robes and joining in the ‘naked games’ at the gymnasium, then putting on their robes and going back to services at the temple.
When Antiochus cooked a pig and poured its broth all over the Torah scrolls and the altar,
he issued a decree that only pigs were to be sacrificed in the Temple and all Jews were to worship the statue of Zeus (Jupiter Olympus) which was an abomination to the Jews.
Syrian officers were dispatched to enforce these cruel and blasphemous decrees.
This was the first “Abomination that causes desolation” and was prophesied by Daniel (11:31-32).
When Antiochus cooked a pig and poured its broth all over the Torah scrolls and the altar,
he issued a decree that only pigs were to be sacrificed in the Temple and all Jews were to worship the statue of Zeus (Jupiter Olympus) which was an abomination to the Jews.
Syrian officers were dispatched to enforce these cruel and blasphemous decrees.
This was the first “Abomination that causes desolation” and was prophesied by Daniel (11:31-32).
The tensions which led to the Jewish revolt were exacerbated when the Jewish high priest, an Hellenist himself, offered a sacrifice to Heracles (Hercules), who was the Greek symbol of homosexuality. “The Jewish temple itself became the scene of pagan sacrificial meals and sexual orgies." The final insult (for which Antiochus is identified in the Bible as the archetype of the antichrist) “was the installation in the temple of a pagan symbol ‘the abomination that causes desolation’”
The Maccabees
A Jewish priest called Mattathias from the house of Hasmon, had 5 sons. Judah Maccabee was the middle one (Maccabee means ‘the hammer’). Mattathias was appalled at what was happening to his people in Jerusalem so he took his sons and his followers into the mountains to wage a guerilla warfare against the Seleucids. Judah heading an army of guerrillas marched down upon Jerusalem and somehow, against all odds, prevailed against the enemy.
Although greatly outnumbered, under Judah Maccabee’s leadership they fought a courageous guerrilla war and drove out the Greeks in 163 B.C., re-entering the city and the temple.
They tore down the statues of Zeus, cleaned up the mess in the Temple then held a great Festival to re-dedicate their sacred space.
A Jewish priest called Mattathias from the house of Hasmon, had 5 sons. Judah Maccabee was the middle one (Maccabee means ‘the hammer’). Mattathias was appalled at what was happening to his people in Jerusalem so he took his sons and his followers into the mountains to wage a guerilla warfare against the Seleucids. Judah heading an army of guerrillas marched down upon Jerusalem and somehow, against all odds, prevailed against the enemy.
Although greatly outnumbered, under Judah Maccabee’s leadership they fought a courageous guerrilla war and drove out the Greeks in 163 B.C., re-entering the city and the temple.
They tore down the statues of Zeus, cleaned up the mess in the Temple then held a great Festival to re-dedicate their sacred space.
Cleansing and Re-Dedicating the Temple on 25 Kislev 163 B.C.
They rededicated the Temple and reconsecrated a new altar.
The ner tamid (eternal light) was relit, but there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep it burning for one day.
They lit the menorah anyway, and the oil miraculously burned for 8 days while more was being prepared.
Thus began the Feast of Dedication to celebrate this miracle, their great deliverance from oppressors and the dedication of the newly cleansed temple.
The Jewish people have never forgotten this great triumph and every year the story is re-told at the festival of Dedication, Hanukkah.
John 8:12 – Jesus the Light of the World!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Deliverance
Hanukkah celebrates one of many deliverances of the Jewish people from those who would try, again and again, to destroy God’s Covenant people.
In recent history we have two horrible examples of this—the pogroms in Russia in the early 1900s, and the Holocaust.
Yet the Lord’s people are alive today and back in their own Land against unbelievable odds.
But the enemy has not given up, and he is still trying and will continue to try to destroy them again.
At this time in History, despite all the rhetoric after the 2nd world war and the horror of the Holocaust, we have anti-Jewish/anti-Israel sentiment reaching new heights across the democratic world, fired up by the lies of satan and his willing agents and fed to the world by the so-called ‘free press’ and the agencies of the United Nations (UN) and incredibly also some members of the European Union (EU) . Regrettably there are areas of the Christian church that also preach and teach anti-Jewish doctrines such as ‘the church has replaced Israel (Supersessionism), Christian Palestinianism or Palestinian Liberation Theology promoted by an organisation called 'Sabeel.,' (this does not include in any way the Palestinian Christians who love the God of the Bible and acknowledge His 'Chosen people' and their unique covenant relationship with HaShem and their connection to the Land of Israel; these are our brothers and sisters in Christ and part of the 'grafted in' olive branch - Gentile believers) and lastly 'Chrislam;' I wonder if they may be the ones ‘gnashing their teeth’ on judgement day. The one’s that say "Lord, Lord we did this in your name..." and sadly Jesus tells them “I never knew you”.
From our reading in Chapter 8 of the Book of Daniel this morning verse 14 says:
He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
The entire duration of 2300 days began on 9th September 171 BC with the death of the High Priest Onias until the rededication of the Temple on 25 December 165 BC.
This prophesy was literally fulfilled exactly as Daniel had predicted. The preceding verses also describe the desecration of the Temple whilst verses 15-27 describe what is to come at the appointed time of the end and goes on to describe present day Assyria, Iran and Greece.
We also read in God’s Word that at the end of the age, another anti-Christ will arise similar to Epiphanes and along with the beast and the false prophet do even worse deeds until finally Jesus returns with a great army to defeat the unholy trinity ruling the world at that time.
Today, at this point in history we have a battle of ideologies taking place – totalitarianism versus democracy with radical Islam declaring the aim of wiping Israel off the map and placing the whole world under Sharia law and installing the rule of a medieval style Caliphate to hasten the arrival of the Mahdi (an Islamic Messianic figure).
However, regarding the future of Israel, the Bible is crystal clear. God is restoring Zion not to annihilate the Jewish nation but to deliver them even in the midst of perilous times. Israel has returned to her land to stay, to prosper, and be revived by His Spirit. The Bible is also clear about those who come against His chosen people, they will have to deal with the God of Israel – history shows us that those that come against the 'apple of God’s eye,' Israel – always come to ruin themselves
They rededicated the Temple and reconsecrated a new altar.
The ner tamid (eternal light) was relit, but there was only enough consecrated olive oil to keep it burning for one day.
They lit the menorah anyway, and the oil miraculously burned for 8 days while more was being prepared.
Thus began the Feast of Dedication to celebrate this miracle, their great deliverance from oppressors and the dedication of the newly cleansed temple.
The Jewish people have never forgotten this great triumph and every year the story is re-told at the festival of Dedication, Hanukkah.
John 8:12 – Jesus the Light of the World!
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Deliverance
Hanukkah celebrates one of many deliverances of the Jewish people from those who would try, again and again, to destroy God’s Covenant people.
In recent history we have two horrible examples of this—the pogroms in Russia in the early 1900s, and the Holocaust.
Yet the Lord’s people are alive today and back in their own Land against unbelievable odds.
But the enemy has not given up, and he is still trying and will continue to try to destroy them again.
At this time in History, despite all the rhetoric after the 2nd world war and the horror of the Holocaust, we have anti-Jewish/anti-Israel sentiment reaching new heights across the democratic world, fired up by the lies of satan and his willing agents and fed to the world by the so-called ‘free press’ and the agencies of the United Nations (UN) and incredibly also some members of the European Union (EU) . Regrettably there are areas of the Christian church that also preach and teach anti-Jewish doctrines such as ‘the church has replaced Israel (Supersessionism), Christian Palestinianism or Palestinian Liberation Theology promoted by an organisation called 'Sabeel.,' (this does not include in any way the Palestinian Christians who love the God of the Bible and acknowledge His 'Chosen people' and their unique covenant relationship with HaShem and their connection to the Land of Israel; these are our brothers and sisters in Christ and part of the 'grafted in' olive branch - Gentile believers) and lastly 'Chrislam;' I wonder if they may be the ones ‘gnashing their teeth’ on judgement day. The one’s that say "Lord, Lord we did this in your name..." and sadly Jesus tells them “I never knew you”.
From our reading in Chapter 8 of the Book of Daniel this morning verse 14 says:
He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
The entire duration of 2300 days began on 9th September 171 BC with the death of the High Priest Onias until the rededication of the Temple on 25 December 165 BC.
This prophesy was literally fulfilled exactly as Daniel had predicted. The preceding verses also describe the desecration of the Temple whilst verses 15-27 describe what is to come at the appointed time of the end and goes on to describe present day Assyria, Iran and Greece.
We also read in God’s Word that at the end of the age, another anti-Christ will arise similar to Epiphanes and along with the beast and the false prophet do even worse deeds until finally Jesus returns with a great army to defeat the unholy trinity ruling the world at that time.
Today, at this point in history we have a battle of ideologies taking place – totalitarianism versus democracy with radical Islam declaring the aim of wiping Israel off the map and placing the whole world under Sharia law and installing the rule of a medieval style Caliphate to hasten the arrival of the Mahdi (an Islamic Messianic figure).
However, regarding the future of Israel, the Bible is crystal clear. God is restoring Zion not to annihilate the Jewish nation but to deliver them even in the midst of perilous times. Israel has returned to her land to stay, to prosper, and be revived by His Spirit. The Bible is also clear about those who come against His chosen people, they will have to deal with the God of Israel – history shows us that those that come against the 'apple of God’s eye,' Israel – always come to ruin themselves
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24 NIV)
John 10:22-30
When the people meet with Jesus in the Temple during Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication), they are asking him if he is going to deliver them from Roman rule the same way the Maccabees delivered them from the Seleucids previously.
They want him to be their deliverer, their hero, but he is not another Judah Maccabee.
His destiny is very different from that of the Maccabees. Rather than using military force to deliver them He lays down His life! His destiny is to go to the cross and become the once and for all-time sacrificial lamb whose sheep know his voice!
Yeshua (Jesus) went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, and while in the temple area He proclaimed His divinity—“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NIV).
John 10:25-30 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.”
“The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
“I and the Father are one.”
Hanukkah is observed in remembrance of a miracle: the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough for 1 day.
However there is an even greater miracle recorded here: Jesus made 3 declarations at this time:
1.A declaration of His one-ness with the Father
2.A declaration of His sonship with the Father
3.The declaration of His deity.
So the miracle that should really be observed on this occasion is that God became man to die for mankind so that those who believe can receive salvation. Because believers have an eternal salvation they can walk in the light, because He who is the “Light of the World” is indwelling them.
1 John 1: 5-9 reads:
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
According to ancient Jewish manuscripts the Star of Bethlehem appeared some 2 years before Jesus was born, hence when the Magi arrived on the scene, Herod Antipas questioned them and found out the exact time of its appearance, then ordered the slaughter of all male children 2 years and under in Bethlehem including one of his own sons. Augustus the Roman Emperor had appointed Herod Antipas to rule over Galilee which was just ¼ of his father (Herod the Great’s) former kingdom.
Throughout the Bible we can find Jesus represented as The Light of the World, his presence in the very Beginning is recorded in Genesis chapter 1 and is often referred to by secular modern scientists as “the Big Bang” theory when God spoke and light burst upon the darkness and life began on earth. A burning bush, a bright cloud, a pillar of fire the Great Temple lampstands were all some of the signs of God's presence given to the Israelites. The psalmist spoke of God as light: “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1); and the prophet Isaiah promised, “The LORD shall be your light forever” (Isaiah 60:19). Light stood for the glory of God. Prophecies also spoke of the Messiah as light: “Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). And the prophet Simeon hailed the child Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.”
From our Reading in Luke Chapter 2 this morning verses 30-32 : For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Jesus name in Hebrew is Yeshua which means ‘salvation’, and as is customary in Judaism, 8 days after his birth in Bethlehem Jesus was circumcised, then 40 days after his birth he was presented in the Temple to be dedicated (Hanukkah). This would make the season of his birth in Autumn and not winter as is commonly celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are more than a few studies that suggest Jesus may well have been conceived at Hanukkah and born at Rosh HaShanah (The Feast of Trumpets/the Head of the Year) or during the Feast of Tabernacles which commemorates the Autumn harvest, however the important point for us is that He is the Saviour of the World who was born in Bethlehem (The House of Bread) as prophesied, was crucified at the age of 33 and resurrected to sit at the right hand of God the Father to intercede for us all and He is coming again and his enemies will fall down before the brightness of His coming!
Zola Levitt presents: A Child is Born - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjKDA_b7QRY
Zola discovered, quite by accident, an amazing series of biblical "coincidences." It seems that every one of us, as we develop in the womb, follows the schedule of the seven feasts of Israel that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. This half-hour program illustrates the surprising similarities of these two chains of events, each established by God according to His purpose.
The miracle for us as followers of Jesus is that by walking in the light, we have fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers.
Jesus (Yeshua) indeed fulfils this festival as “The Light of the World” and the miracle that allows us to become ‘children of light’ through His once and for all sacrifice.
We can also celebrate this festival at this time of year with the lights of the Hanukkiah (9 branched candelabra) representing the Light of the World rather than the lights of the Christmas tree which possibly has its origins in paganism. The Menorah represents 'The Light of the World' - our Redeemer and Messiah.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10:22-24 NIV)
John 10:22-30
When the people meet with Jesus in the Temple during Hanukkah (Festival of Dedication), they are asking him if he is going to deliver them from Roman rule the same way the Maccabees delivered them from the Seleucids previously.
They want him to be their deliverer, their hero, but he is not another Judah Maccabee.
His destiny is very different from that of the Maccabees. Rather than using military force to deliver them He lays down His life! His destiny is to go to the cross and become the once and for all-time sacrificial lamb whose sheep know his voice!
Yeshua (Jesus) went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, and while in the temple area He proclaimed His divinity—“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NIV).
John 10:25-30 (NIV)
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.”
“The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
“I and the Father are one.”
Hanukkah is observed in remembrance of a miracle: the miracle of the oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough for 1 day.
However there is an even greater miracle recorded here: Jesus made 3 declarations at this time:
1.A declaration of His one-ness with the Father
2.A declaration of His sonship with the Father
3.The declaration of His deity.
So the miracle that should really be observed on this occasion is that God became man to die for mankind so that those who believe can receive salvation. Because believers have an eternal salvation they can walk in the light, because He who is the “Light of the World” is indwelling them.
1 John 1: 5-9 reads:
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
According to ancient Jewish manuscripts the Star of Bethlehem appeared some 2 years before Jesus was born, hence when the Magi arrived on the scene, Herod Antipas questioned them and found out the exact time of its appearance, then ordered the slaughter of all male children 2 years and under in Bethlehem including one of his own sons. Augustus the Roman Emperor had appointed Herod Antipas to rule over Galilee which was just ¼ of his father (Herod the Great’s) former kingdom.
Throughout the Bible we can find Jesus represented as The Light of the World, his presence in the very Beginning is recorded in Genesis chapter 1 and is often referred to by secular modern scientists as “the Big Bang” theory when God spoke and light burst upon the darkness and life began on earth. A burning bush, a bright cloud, a pillar of fire the Great Temple lampstands were all some of the signs of God's presence given to the Israelites. The psalmist spoke of God as light: “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1); and the prophet Isaiah promised, “The LORD shall be your light forever” (Isaiah 60:19). Light stood for the glory of God. Prophecies also spoke of the Messiah as light: “Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). And the prophet Simeon hailed the child Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles.”
From our Reading in Luke Chapter 2 this morning verses 30-32 : For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Jesus name in Hebrew is Yeshua which means ‘salvation’, and as is customary in Judaism, 8 days after his birth in Bethlehem Jesus was circumcised, then 40 days after his birth he was presented in the Temple to be dedicated (Hanukkah). This would make the season of his birth in Autumn and not winter as is commonly celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are more than a few studies that suggest Jesus may well have been conceived at Hanukkah and born at Rosh HaShanah (The Feast of Trumpets/the Head of the Year) or during the Feast of Tabernacles which commemorates the Autumn harvest, however the important point for us is that He is the Saviour of the World who was born in Bethlehem (The House of Bread) as prophesied, was crucified at the age of 33 and resurrected to sit at the right hand of God the Father to intercede for us all and He is coming again and his enemies will fall down before the brightness of His coming!
Zola Levitt presents: A Child is Born - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjKDA_b7QRY
Zola discovered, quite by accident, an amazing series of biblical "coincidences." It seems that every one of us, as we develop in the womb, follows the schedule of the seven feasts of Israel that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. This half-hour program illustrates the surprising similarities of these two chains of events, each established by God according to His purpose.
The miracle for us as followers of Jesus is that by walking in the light, we have fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers.
Jesus (Yeshua) indeed fulfils this festival as “The Light of the World” and the miracle that allows us to become ‘children of light’ through His once and for all sacrifice.
We can also celebrate this festival at this time of year with the lights of the Hanukkiah (9 branched candelabra) representing the Light of the World rather than the lights of the Christmas tree which possibly has its origins in paganism. The Menorah represents 'The Light of the World' - our Redeemer and Messiah.
The Hanukkiah (9-branched Menorah)
The Hanukkiah has 9 branches. Eight recall the 8 days the oil miraculously burned, while the 9th is the “Servant” (Shamash) candle which is mounted higher than the rest and is used to light the other candles and represents the Messiah Yeshua.
The Hanukkiah has 9 branches. Eight recall the 8 days the oil miraculously burned, while the 9th is the “Servant” (Shamash) candle which is mounted higher than the rest and is used to light the other candles and represents the Messiah Yeshua.
Tradition
Every evening during the eight day feast, each of the eight candles are lit— the Shammash (servant candle) is lit first then subsequently is used to light the others each night; then you light one the first night, two the second, etc. until all eight, plus the servant, are brightly burning in the homes of all Jews on the last night. They are to be set up near a window so all passerby’s can see them.
Traditionally festive foods which have been cooked in oil are served during the 8 day feast, the most popular are latkes (potato cakes) served with apple sauce and sour cream, sufganiyot – round doughnuts filled with jam or jelly and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Gifts are given each night along with much fun and hilarity playing the Dreidel game for the reward of chocolate coins (Gelt) and maybe also real coins along with singing holiday songs. The Dreidel is called 'Sevivon' in Hebrew and is a 4-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters each letter representing the 'reward' due and together spelling out "A Great Miracle Happened There" or if in the Land of Israel "A Great Miracle Happened Here!."
Every evening during the eight day feast, each of the eight candles are lit— the Shammash (servant candle) is lit first then subsequently is used to light the others each night; then you light one the first night, two the second, etc. until all eight, plus the servant, are brightly burning in the homes of all Jews on the last night. They are to be set up near a window so all passerby’s can see them.
Traditionally festive foods which have been cooked in oil are served during the 8 day feast, the most popular are latkes (potato cakes) served with apple sauce and sour cream, sufganiyot – round doughnuts filled with jam or jelly and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Gifts are given each night along with much fun and hilarity playing the Dreidel game for the reward of chocolate coins (Gelt) and maybe also real coins along with singing holiday songs. The Dreidel is called 'Sevivon' in Hebrew and is a 4-sided spinning top marked with Hebrew letters each letter representing the 'reward' due and together spelling out "A Great Miracle Happened There" or if in the Land of Israel "A Great Miracle Happened Here!."
Chag Hanukkah Simcha - Happy Hanukkah holidays!
For further information on celebrating Hanukkah, see under Biblical Feasts 'Hanukkah' on this website. The Recipe page has some 'Hanukkah favourites' included.
For further information on celebrating Hanukkah, see under Biblical Feasts 'Hanukkah' on this website. The Recipe page has some 'Hanukkah favourites' included.