The seventh chapter of the Gospel According to John shows us Jesus at
the Feast of Succoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or
Booths. During this time, the Jews would live in small tents to
commemorate Moses leading the twelve tribes through the wilderness.
In this story, not only did the Hebrews live in tents, but the
presence of God did as well. The celebration lasted a week.

In modern times some people, Jew and Christian alike, will spend these
seven days in a hotel, motel, or cabin to observe Succoth without the
hardship of tent living. Like many religious observations, it seems
to miss the point.

Our story shows Jesus spending a good portion of this event teaching
or in heated argument with the Jewish leaders. Much of his discourse
addresses the fact that where he is going they cannot follow at this time.

This story, like most of this book, once again directly parallels
Jesus with Moses, and the rulers of the Jews with the unfaithful who
had to die out before they could reach the promised land. However,
there is a flip - while Moses was unable to enter the paradise, Jesus
is going there before those who follow him.

On the last day of Succoth, priests would take pitchers of water and
break them to symbolize Moses striking the rock at Meribah and water
flowing out of it. At this point, our narrative has Jesus shouting
that streams of living water will flow from within those who follow
him. Here Jesus is not only likened to Moses, but also to the
promises of God fulfilled.

Practically speaking, this story demonstrates that we should take the
time now and then to realize all we have, and to understand that we
can get on with a lot less. Another good lesson is that we can be
fonts of living water in as much as we can practice compassion and
demonstrate generosity, while still being examples of self-reliance
and frugality. Charity is not only providing for the needs of others.
It is helping others become fonts of their own provision. Through
word and example we can pass this message to those who need it.

Stay tuned next week. Better yet, come join us at Brueggers!

Jack