April 17, 2016

“At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”25Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:22-30

The Hebrew word “stav”, translated today as autumn, is mentioned only once in the Bible in the Song of Solomon: “for lo, the winter is passed, the rain is over and gone…” (Song 2:11), “stav” really speaks of the time of the winter rains. The Hebrew word “aviv”, translated today as spring is mentioned twice in the Bible, both referring to a stage in the ripening of barley rather than a season. There is no mention of a season called spring anywhere in the Bible. Therefore we must conclude that the Bible only recognizes two seasons, summer and winter, or as the writers of the Talmud put it, “the days of sun” and “the days of rain.”

It is interesting that the writer of this text mentions that Jesus is walking in the temple during the season of winter. It appears that the mention of it, and the fact that he is walking in the portico of Solomon seems to serve one purpose – it was warmer to walk there in the winter months because it protected him from inclement weather.

Why does this matter you may be wondering? I think it is great, because the gospel writer helps to link us directly to Jesus, through these “minor” details. Because the most we have of the teachings and the actions of Jesus come through the written word, when these details are included, it helps us – it helps me paint a more specific picture of Jesus. I can picture him walking through the streets leading up to the Temple, rubbing his arms and his hands, trying to stay warm. There may not be snow, but he can see his breath in the cold, moist, winter air. He approaches the Temple and wonders which way he should enter. He decides to enter through Solomon’s Portico – since it will protect him from the cold, icy wind.

Too often we are quick to see Jesus as a two-dimensional person – he is just another person on the pages of our bible. Also, we are too quick to ascribe to him his divine nature. Of course he is THE most important person on the pages of the New Testament, and he is the Son of G-d. But, he also was fully one of us, someone who was cold, who was angry, who laughed, and who was sick with pity, hurt and compassion. And he chose that day to walk on Solomon’s Portico because, it sheltered him from the inclement weather – you and I would have done the same.

Pastor Dave