Dedication

This story is a little late but check this out.

"Then came the feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. ²³It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Portico. ²⁴The Jewish leaders surrounded him and asked, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ²⁵Jesus replied, “I told you and you do not believe." - John 10:22-25

So, what is this "feast of Dedication" that John was writing about? Are you ready for this?

The Feast of Dedication, which was once also called the Feast of the Maccabees, was an eight-day winter festival celebrated by the Jews in the month of December or sometimes late November, depending on when it fell in the lunisolar Jewish calendar. Today, this festival is called Hanukkah or the Festival of Lights. - Gotquestions.org

Jesus was celebrating Hanukkah? And why not? Jesus was Jewish. Or WAS Jesus actually celebrating? The text simply says "Jesus was walking in the temple area." It doesn't really matter. The point is that Hanukkah is in the Bible. Just an interesting little tidbit of information.

And who are the Maccabees? According to Chabad.org, "They were Jewish fighters who led the revolt against the Syrian Greek ruling class, who had suppressed Jewish religion in an effort to spread their Hellenistic customs and idolatrous beliefs."

"According to Josephus, after the Maccabees refused to comply with the Greek demands, they were attacked on Shabbat morning. Devoted to Torah, the Jews refused to fight back, and around 1,000 people, including many women and children, died from fire and smoke."

"After decisively routing the Greeks from the Land, Judah led his band of battle-hardened men to Jerusalem to restore the Holy Temple to its sacred use, which the Greeks had discontinued."

"The Maccabees found just enough pure oil in the Temple to kindle the menorah for a single day. They lit the menorah, and a miracle occurred: the oil burned for 8 days until more could be obtained."

The Maccabees rebuilt and dedicated the temple. And the oil last three days is why Hanukkah lasts eight days. 

The Maccabee revolt took place in the second century BCE. It was celebrated most recently from December 14-22, 2025.

Happy Hanukkah! Better late than never.