Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot

Did you know the Messiah had a lot to say during the Biblical holiday of Sukkot or Tabernacles? I believe this holiday is significant to the Messiah because at this time we remember that he dwelled with us and will once again come to live amongst us. 

If we study Scripture we can see that the Messiah did keep the feasts, including Sukkot. He would have spent time in a temporary dwelling, he went to the Temple to celebrate with others, and he taught there. We have this special glimpse into his life, because everything he did was within the context of obedience to Scripture. There is added depth to the words of the Messiah when we realize where and when those statements were made. Think of what Sukkot looks like; the temporary dwellings, the four species, and imagine Yahusha in the midst of that speaking these words.

Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot:

"If anyone thirsts, let them come to me and drink." -John 7:37
This is a beautiful verse with added meaning: if you wanted to come to the Messiah then and there you would have to come to the feast of Sukkot. And by coming to Sukkot he would refresh and revive you.

"Go up to the festival." -John 7:8
Here is an example of Yahusha verbally encouraging people to keep the feasts of YHWH. When he told his brothers to go up to keep Sukkot, it was not an abstract or simple idea. First of all, it's over 60 miles from the Galilee area to Jerusalem. And Sukkot is also an eight day festival. In essence he was telling them to take their time, money, and resources to honor YHWH. He didn't throw in, "if you want to," or "if it's convenient." The savior told them to celebrate Tabernacles.

"He that believes in me as the Scriptures have said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." -John 7:38
When Yahusha said this the only Scripture that existed is what we now call the Old Testament. He wants us to see that these writings - Genesis, Malachi, Chronicles, everything - are about him. They talk about him, they prophesy of him, they point to him. That includes the feasts. Why would we forgo a commandment of YHWH that points to the Messiah?

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Usually only the first three words of this verse are quoted. The Messiah expects his followers to use discernment when evaluating circumstances and relationships. He expects us to look at an action and be able to tell if it is something that lines up with Scripture or not. As with traffic laws, it is not my responsibility to toll out penalties for violating the rules. But still I can see that running a stop sign is a breach of the law. In the same way, if my friend is driving I won't give them a ticket for speeding but I can suggest they slow down. Yahusha expects us to use righteous discernment in our lives.

"Are you angry that I made a man entirely well on the Sabbath?" -John 7:23
The Messiah asked this question in response to accusations that he was demonically possessed. This is similar to popular responses to those who are seeking to live righteously by keeping YHWH's feasts and such. "You're crazy! You've been deceived into thinking observing the commandments is important." In John 5 he healed a man at another festival of YHWH (which was probably also Sukkot), on Shabbat. This was not a violation of the Torah, but an offensive to rules made up by men. Going against status quo is nearly always upsetting to others.

"The world hates me because I bear witness that its works are wicked." -John 7:7
If you're a Tabernacles celebrator you might feel a little bit out of place at this time of year. What do the neighbors think of the sukkah? Stores are decorated for Halloween. Your coworkers don't quite get the importance of this week for you. Choosing to keep the Biblical holidays points out to others that the typical holidays are not okay.

"My teaching is from the one who sent me." -John 7:16
Here he pointed out that he is teaching is consistent with what YHWH had already commanded throughout Scripture. This is significant because it tells us that Yahusha's instructions line up with YHWH. YHWH wants Sukkot honored, so does the Messiah.

Scripture points to the Messiah's birth being during Sukkot as well. Math can be done to figure out when John the Baptist's father served in the Temple, shortly afterwards Elizabeth was pregnant with John. We know that John was six months older than Yahusha, so the family likely had a Passover baby and a Sukkot baby that year. We also see that the Savior was literally born in a sukkah and that the wording of the angel's announcement to the shepherds was very Sukkot-centric.

Scripture also tell us that during Sukkot The Messiah:

-Went to the temple for Sukkot. -John 7:2

-Taught. -John 7:14

-Sent people to celebrate Sukkot. -John 7:8

-Went to the festival. -John 7:10

"The one who says he lives in him ought to walk as he did." -1 John 2:6

Honoring Yom Kippur as a Believer in Messiah

What does it look like for a believer in Yahusha to honor Yom Kippur in the 21st century? This is not really a day we've seen much of. And what we have seen is mostly from those who do not serve the Messiah. Is it appropriate to swing a chicken over my head, hoping it will take the punishment for my sins? Since Yahusha has taken our guilt, shouldn't this day honor and reflect that? Shouldn't this day be filled with the hope that is found in the Messiah?

I'm sharing with you what Yom Kippur has been like for me in years past. Not so that you can copy it exactly, but so that you have a starting point for what your day can look like. It doesn't have to be solemn or miserable. There are many more possibilities: a congregational get together, corporate prayer, a family celebration, a trip to the lake, worship time, reflection, and children's crafts would all be great options to incorporate in your day. I know some of you choose to fast all day while others do not so I'm not going to get into that debate. If you're not fasting have a festive meal. If you are wait until sundown to enjoy special foods.

The evening before - We have a late dinner. If you're fasting I would recommend doing this as close to sundown as possible. There's no reason to start the fast hungry. Eat a filling meal and drink plenty of water but don't stuff yourself. There's no reason to have an uncomfortable set apart day either. Before a fast I like to eat lots of vegetables and some sort of starch like rice, lentils, or potatoes. Fiber helps you to feel fuller longer, while sugar makes you hungry and thirsty a bit sooner. Dinner is a nice, relaxed atmosphere of good food and conversation. Lighting candles makes it feel a bit more festive and special.

The evening of Yom Kippur - Once it is dark after dinner and Yom Kippur has officially begun (Vayikra 23:32 specifies that this set apart time is evening to evening), we have Bible study and usually end up focusing on a certain word or topic. Last year it was anah (the word translated as afflict in Vayikra 23:27), but there are a lot of good study subjects for Yom Kippur. Azazel, atonement, covering, and the Melchizedek priesthood of Yahusha would all be good to delve into.

In the morning - We like to sleep in. This is a day of rest after all. Once I am up and around I head outside for some personal prayer time. I can't think of a place in Scripture where fasting isn't partnered together with prayer so please don't miss this important part of Yom Kippur! There's a huge list of topics to cover from family and relationships to health and finances. I pray for better understanding of Scripture, persecuted believers, restoration of the lost tribes, and anything else that comes to mind.

Early afternoon - If we don't have a congregational gathering to attend we head to a park or lake in the afternoon. Getting out of the house helps make this day a bit more special, and being in a beautiful spot of creation is peaceful and inspirational. Also, if you're fasting it's easier to do that when you're not right next to your kitchen. We enjoy a short walk and then find a spot to read the book of Hebrews. This book is significant to read during this time because Yom Kippur is traditionally a time when the Levitical priesthood is emphasized. A correct understanding of Hebrews brings so much clarity to the priesthood of Messiah and his followers. More on that here.

We pray together and walk a bit more before leaving. Since sacrificial offerings used to be a large part of Yom Kippur, we talk about what our offering can be to YHWH for this day - finances to special projects, time donated, ways we can further his Kingdom with what he has given us.

Early evening - This could seem a little silly but once we are back at home I like to watch the Hanna Barbera Jonah video. Jonah is a book that traditionally is read during Yom Kippur and this is a fun take on that. If there's time left before dinner we might do more Scripture reading or just talk.

Dinner - We like to have a special meal with family and sometimes friends. We prepare something simple and delicious ahead of time, maybe soup and a sandwich spread. Others like to break the fast with 'break-fast', and serve up frittata, fresh fruit, and yogurt. A white table setting or white clothing can be used to symbolize being washed white as snow from our sins.

So that's what Yom Kippur has been like for me. I'm planning that this year will be the most joyous yet! How about you? What is Yom Kippur like at your house?

Related posts:
The Meaning of Yom Kippur (Day of Covering)
Yom Kippur Bible Verses
Prayer and Fasting on Yom Kippur

An Invitation to the Fall Feasts

If the Messiah invited you to a party what would your response be?

Seriously, imagine what that would be like. What kind of special evening would the King of the Universe have in mind? What kind of food would be served? How would the tables be set? What would you wear? How would he feel if you refused to go?

He sent his servants to invite them to the wedding party. But they didn't want to come. -Matthew 22:3

Do you know this parable? In this story Yahusha told there is a king who was hosting a wedding party. A five-star banquet had been prepared by a top chef, special clothing had been designed and tailored with skill, tables were set, candles were lit, attention had been given to each lovely detail, and finally all of it was ready. But they didn't want to come.

YHWH holds seven special feasts a year. And his people decline the invitation. Like in Yahusha's parable we have had better things to do. "This is a busy time of year for me." "Work has been crazy." "We are set free from that." It's not that we didn't get the invitation. It's not that something is physically keeping us away. We just have refused to come. How does this make the host feel? Verse seven, The King was furious and invited someone else.

Don't miss out on this invitation from YHWH. Change which box you have been checking on these kingdom RSVPs. Three of his feasts are coming up soon! We aren't far away from the celebrations of Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot but there is still time to make it to these parties. Did you know that our Messiah honored and celebrated these times? And not only that but the nature of each feast speaks a different truth about who YHWH is and his redemptive plan for us.

The kingdom of Heaven is like a party no one wants to go to.

Now is the time to plan to celebrate as YHWH instructed us (see Leviticus 23). Make plans to keep these feasts with your family or check here or here to search for a group or get together in your area.

Since YHWH did not give us Gregorian calendar dates for his feasts there is some confusion as to exactly when they fall. If you are involved with a group I would personally go with their dates so you can celebrate as a community. If not, study and pray about what you should do.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles and begin to plan. How should you accept the King's invitation? Put in for vacation from your job and plan to have the no-work days free. Will you be going camping or building a sukkah for Sukkot? Can you gather friends for a party or would you like to give gifts? You don't have to know how to do everything perfectly to accept this invitation, and really it is a learning and growing process that becomes more joyous and special with each year. The kingdom of Heaven is like a king preparing a feast for his son. Invite to the party as many as you can find. Say yes this year!

More about the fall Bible holidays:
The Beginner's Guide to the Feast of Trumpets

Honoring Yom Kippur as a Believer in Messiah

The Feast of Tabernacles: What it Means and Why You Should Celebrate It

5 Things The Messiah Taught About the Sabbath

These are some of the things the Messiah said about the Sabbath day. Religious leaders were often upset with his actions on the Sabbath, not because he was breaking God's laws about the set apart day, but because he was setting aside the tedious manmade rules they had made up. Jesus was always in favor of going back to the simplicity of what Scripture instructs, so that keeping the Sabbath is doable for all of God's people.

The Messiah always kept and honored Shabbat. We see him eating in someone's home, instead of buying food in the marketplace. We see him teaching, in place of doing his carpentry work. We see him going to congregation, as opposed to working at home. He walks with his disciples, instead of saddling up a horse or hiring a chariot for transportation. All of those things he did to honor YHWH's set apart day. He also talked about the Sabbath.

Here are five things the Messiah taught about the Sabbath day:

1. "Shabbat was made for mankind." -Mark 2:27
Yes, YHWH created Shabbat for us. not for his own benefit. Not for the angels. Not just for the sake of having rules. Not only for the people who lived 3,000 years ago. He made it for us, as a gift. A custom gift; this is not like trying to squeeze into your little sister's jeans. This is a tailor made jacket that fits perfectly. It suits us. Yahusha taught that the Sabbath was a gift from YHWH especially for us.

2. "The son of man is master of the Sabbath." -Luke 6:5

Yahusha chose to describe himself in relation to Shabbat, and that shows us part of his identity that he values. Mastering something doesn't make it null and void. On the contrary, when someone says they have mastered something - whether that's organic chemistry, croissant baking, or a second language - it means they have purposefully spent a lot of time on it and it's important to them. Why would we treat the Messiah's declaration of Shabbat differently? He was speaking of the Sabbath because it's something he cares about.

3. He made a practice of teaching people on the Sabbath. -Luke 4:31

Many of us have been told  that it doesn't matter what day of the week we worship YHWH, but isn't it worthwhile to see that our Savior made it a point to do this on the seventh day of the week? He didn't limit himself to teaching one day a week but his habit was teaching on Shabbat. Yahusha organized his life with respect to this day. We can also see that he expects his people to learn on Shabbat.

4. "It is permitted in Torah to do good deeds on Shabbat." -Matthew 12:12

Many have taken the accusations of the Pharisees to mean that the Messiah violated the Sabbath. Truthfully they were only accusing him of breaking their own traditions, not commandments of YHWH. Yahusha teaches that it's okay to disregard manmade rules or expectations for what the Sabbath day looks like, as long as we honor YHWH's instructions. He also tells us here that Shabbat contradicts nothing that YHWH has said because we are free to keep all of his commandments on this day.

5. People get healed on the Sabbath. -Mark 3:5
Whoa. The number of times Yahusha healed someone on Shabbat show that YHWH is trying to communicate something with us. While healing is certainly possible any day of the week it is worth noticing that the Messiah consistently healed those who came to him on Shabbat.

This list is not exhaustive but we can see that Shabbat was something important to both the Messiah and to the writers of the Gospels. Many teachings recorded in Scripture were spoken by the Messiah on the Sabbath and then reiterated by Paul and others on later Sabbath days. We can now make the same choice to honor YHWH's set apart day.

More on the Sabbath:
What to Do on the Sabbath
Sabbath in the New Testament
Why I'm Still Keeping the Sabbath

I am N - Suffering with the People of YHWH

"By faith Moshe, when he became a man, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. And he chose to be in suffering with the people of Elohim and not to live indulgently in sin for a short season: and he considered the reproach of the Mashiyach a greater treasure than the hoarded riches of Egypt." -Hebrews 11:24-26 Aramaic English New Testament

After filling action packs at our Yom Teruah party I have worked at being intentional about supporting and sticking up for those persecuted for their faith. Yes, in Western society it is easy to turn a blind eye to the violence against believers in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and elsewhere, adopting the attitude of 'God didn't place me there, so that's not my problem.' Moshe had that same choice--the sole Israelite man of his age--he was placed in a lavish and luxurious situation, far above the suffering of his own people. The famous 'Hall of Faith' passage praises his faith that put aside the lifestyle of Egypt, choosing to suffer with the people of YHWH. We have that choice as well.

Voice of the Martyrs was founded in 1967 by a Messianic Jewish couple, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrond who fled Romania, after repeated arrest, and imprisonment, work camp and torture for their faith--first at the hands of the Nazis, then by Communist powers. One of the first acts of the organization was Scripture balloon launches into communist China and North Korea.

Today Voice of the Martyrs carries on great work sending Bibles into restricted nations, offering aid to persecuted Christians in the form of warm clothing, soap, blankets, and sending in front line workers to share the Besorah in nations where truth is restricted and even illegal. 

Recently our congregation got involved with VOM's I am N campaign. In areas occupied by ISIS and Islamic extremists the Arabic letter 'N' is often painted on the homes of believers to indicate that they are Nazarenes or followers of Yeshua of Nazareth. Typically once the 'N' is painted on a home the occupants have very little time to get out or to convert to Islam before their home and often they themselves are destroyed.

When you purchase an I am N wristband or shirt 50% of the proceeds will support believers facing the brutality of Islamic extremism. Wearing the band or shirt is a great conversation starter to share about what is happening to persecuted believers around the world, and an excellent reminder that we need to pray for our brothers and sisters daily who face this kind of terror.

Like Moshe did, we can turn away from some of the comforts and luxuries of our lives so that others can experience the salvation of Yeshua. I don't think we can overstate how important it is to YHWH that we do everything we can to help His people. Voice of the Martyrs has a huge list of ways to get involved--from adopting a front line worker to volunteer positions to filling action packs--please consider the best way for you to stand and support those persecuted for their faith.

Significance of the Shofar During Yom Teruah

Why is the shofar sounded during the Biblical holiday of the Feast of Trumpets? What do those sounds mean?

From Hebrew Yom Teruah translates as Day of the Sounding or Day of the Awakening Blasts. The sound in question coming from shofars (Leviticus 23:23). This is why Yom Teruah is also called the Feast of Trumpets.

What is a shofar? It's a musical instrument that is made out of ram's horn. They come in many sizes and, when played by someone who knows what they're doing, they make a lovely sound. While they aren't heard or seen much outside of Hebrew circles, occasionally they are used in movie soundtracks, including Lord of the Rings.

When we hear a sound that denotes something in particular we associate those things. Just hearing the music of an ice cream truck can make us hungry. Police sirens can cause our pulse to quicken as we remember the bill for our last speeding ticket. Hearing the tornado siren test brings to mind memories of bad storms a few years ago. We associate sounds.

Today, sadly, the significance of the sound of the shofar is lost on most of us. It's something we really don't have much to associate with. However, I don't believe YHWH desires for it to stay this way! Let's examine the Bible to see where the sounds of the shofars were heard.

Shofar Uses in Scripture:

1. The shofar is used when YHWH appears. -Zechariah 9:14

2. The Torah was given to Israel with the sound of the shofar. -Exodus 19:19

3. The shofar was blown to announce the beginning of the Biblical holidays. -Numbers 10:10

4. Shofars are used during new moon celebrations. -Psalm 81:4

5. The shofar was a blown at the start of the Jubilee year. -Leviticus 25:9

6. The blowing of the shofar was a signal for the call to repentance. -Isaiah 58:1

7. When the exiles are regathered into the Promised Land the shofar will be blown. -Isaiah 27:13

8. The blowing of the shofar ushers in the day of YHWH. -Joel 2:1

9. Shofars were used for the coronation of kings. -1 Kings 1:34

10. The sound Israel made after marching around Jericho was blasting shofars. -Joshua 6:20

11. Shofars were blown to signal to Israelites during war. -Judges 3:27

12. The watchmen who stood upon Jerusalem's walls blew the shofar. -Ezekiel 33:3-6

13. The shofar is a reminder of YHWH providing a ram for Abraham to use as a burnt offering. -Genesis 22:13

14. During the rebuilding of Jerusalem wall, shofars were used to call for help.  -Nehemiah 4:14

15. John was taken up to Heaven in the book of Revelation by the sound of the shofar. -Revelation 4:1

16. At the resurrection of the dead the shofar will sound. -1 Thessalonians 4:16

17. Seven shofars will be sounded when YHWH judges the earth during the tribulation. -Revelation 8

18. Shofars are used to praise YHWH. -Psalm 150:3

19. Shofars are used in joyful celebration before YHWH. -Psalm 98:6

20. The shofar is a reminder that YHWH is sovereign. -Psalm 47:5

21. An angel sounds a shofar to proclaim that the kingdom of the world know belongs to YHWH and the Messiah. -Revelation 11:15

There is a lot of significance with this instrument! This list isn't exhaustive (shofars are mentioned over 80 times in Scripture) but I think we should have an idea that this instrument has so much meaning to the Living God. 

What can we associate with the Feast of Trumpets from this list? The presence of YHWH, repentance, worshiping YHWH, the Torah, the Mssiah being crowned as king, the promise of YHWH to regather his scattered people, reminders that He will judge the earth, and that the world belong to Him!

More on Yom Teruah:

The Beginner's Guide to the Feast of Trumpets
The Meaning of Yom Teruah

Celebrating Passover Seder

We took a different approach to our Seder meal this year. It was smaller, more relaxed, not quite as long. Somehow the Haggadah was condensed to a single page. There were fresh flowers, real china, and two lit menorahs. We set aside some of the traditions of hand washing, and salt water. More emphasis was placed on the Messiah than on the story of the Exodus. The evening was a beautiful celebration of the redemption of YHWH in days past, like the Israelites leaving Egypt, and of his redemption in our own lives.

We used real china for place settings and couldn't have been happier. It was a special touch in an elegant evening.

This year we had just sixteen people. The smaller group made it more like a dinner party (like the last supper).

Lighting the menorah.

Another pre-guest table shot. Each guest had a Hagaddah, a 10 Plagues coaster, and a fresh almond that I remembered to add after I took this photo. Haha.

This year's reading: "The Story of Israel."

Passing of the matzah, symbolizing his body broken for us.

I like to describe the items on the Seder plate as the Gospel in six courses. Extra points if you can see the tired little pup laying beneath the table.

 Our miracle one page Hagaddah! Nes gadol hayah sham.

 Our Passover meal included the mandatory grilled lamb, matzah, and bitter herb salad, as well as add ins like roasted asparagus and peppers, charoset, potato salad, and hummus with veggies.

 Both plates had the same things, I promise.

Our cutest attendee.

Oh these coasters? They're from Matanote on Etsy.

The third cup of wine, "I will redeem you."

Instead of afikomen we had pavlova with fresh berries and whipped cream for dessert.

Party favors?

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Passover and Feast of Matzah!

Messiah our Pesach

Passover starts tomorrow night! Are you guys ready? For the past few years I have made the Seder meal for 25+ people. This year we are having a potluck style meal so I actually have less to do than usual. I am bringing the grape juice I made last summer, and dessert, and I also made a four hour round trip to pick up the matzah and lamb. As promised here is another Passover printable! Use it to decorate or as a bookmark in your Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 5:8 - For Messiah our Pesach was sacrificed for us: so then let us keep the Feast, not with old chametz; but with the unleavened matzah of sincerity and truth.

This is free for your personal use. Download it here.