The Feast of Dedication

2021-11-30

The Feast of Dedication commemorates the Maccabean Revolt and the cleansing of the Temple from pagan defilement. This feast is also called Hanukkah and is currently being celebrated. This is not some pagan holiday. In fact, it pictures another future Temple defilement by the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:4), with somebody far greater than Judas Maccabeus to deliver vengeance, Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:8).

This feast is mentioned in the Bible: John 10:22. While in the Temple in Jerusalem, Jesus was asked a question of the people: “How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly” (John 10:24). The Lord subsequently reaffirmed that He was, and the miracles also affirmed that He was indeed. However, they got more than they bargained for, because the Christ is also the Son of God and is fully Deity (John 10:30). However, it caused the people to start picking up stones.

Jesus clearly showed the people His power. The things He did affirmed who He was. What was the problem? Part of it was that He was not throwing off the pagans like the Maccabees did. They wanted deliverance from the Romans. Don’t think for a second that this was not on their minds as they celebrated the famed revolt that day. However, Jesus came to do something else first.

First, He was to be the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The problem of humanity’s sin had to be rectified first. There is a day when He will return with vengeance and destroy His enemies. The problem is that we are all His enemies. Amnesty is offered in Jesus Christ. All sin is atoned for in the blood of the Son.

The Lord wants to see many to salvation; vengeance is delayed because of His mercy to the world.