The Feast of Dedication, known today as Hanukkah, is a Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John, where Jesus attends the feast and engages in significant theological discourse.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus at the Feast of Dedication is found in John 10:22-39. The passage begins, "At that time the Feast of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade" (John 10:22-23). This setting provides a backdrop for a profound revelation of Jesus' identity and mission.

Context and Significance

The Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, celebrates the miraculous provision of oil that lasted eight days during the rededication of the Temple. It is a time of remembering God's faithfulness and deliverance. Jesus' presence at this feast is significant, as it underscores His role as the true Light of the World, a theme consistent with the festival's emphasis on light.

Jesus' Declaration of Divinity

During the feast, the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking Him to plainly state whether He was the Messiah. Jesus responded, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf" (John 10:25). He further declared, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This assertion of unity with the Father was a clear claim to divinity, which led to an attempt by the Jews to stone Him for blasphemy.

Theological Implications

Jesus' declaration at the Feast of Dedication is pivotal in understanding His divine nature and mission. His claim, "I and the Father are one," affirms the doctrine of the Trinity, emphasizing the unity and co-equality of the Father and the Son. This statement also highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, who would be both a suffering servant and a divine king.

Response and Rejection

The reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus' claim was one of hostility. They accused Him of blasphemy, stating, "You, a man, declare Yourself to be God" (John 10:33). Despite their rejection, Jesus continued to affirm His identity and mission, pointing to His works as evidence of His divine authority.

Jesus' Escape

The passage concludes with Jesus escaping their grasp, as it was not yet His appointed time to suffer and die. "Again they tried to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp" (John 10:39). This escape underscores the divine timing and sovereignty over the events leading to His crucifixion.

Conclusion

The account of Jesus at the Feast of Dedication is a profound moment in the Gospel narrative, where Jesus openly declares His divine nature and mission. It serves as a testament to His identity as the Messiah and the Son of God, challenging both His contemporaries and readers today to recognize and respond to His claims.