Jesus Christ Tabernacling in the Flesh

The Armstrong Churches of God are in the midst of trying to observe the Feast of Tabernacles referenced in the twenty-third chapter of Leviticus. For them, the festivals outlined in the Torah represent a chronological representation of God's plan for humankind. Unfortunately, as with the rest of their messaging and teachings, Jesus Christ is NOT the focus of their observances of these festivals.

Of course, Jesus Christ said that he came to this earth to FULFILL the Torah and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). Likewise, the Apostle Paul said that ALL of these Holy Days pointed to Jesus. He wrote to the saints of Colosse that they should not "let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." (Colossians 1:16-17, NIV)

Along these lines, in times past, I have written extensively about how these festivals relate to our Savior. Indeed, in the series of posts on Jesus in the Torah, I posted a short discourse on how the Feast of Tabernacles points to Jesus Christ. After talking about the festivals which precede it, I wrote:

In similar fashion, the Feast of Tabernacles (or Temporary Dwellings) and the holy convocation on the eighth day also clearly point to Jesus Christ. During this festival, the Israelites were instructed to construct booths, or temporary shelters, to live in for the duration of the festival (Leviticus 23:40-42). In this connection, it is interesting to note that Jesus Christ "tabernacled" in the flesh for a little while. We read in the Gospel of John that "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14) Indeed, this tabernacling in the flesh was necessary for Christ to suffer the affliction and death that would result in our atonement/reconciliation to God! This is made very plain in the epistle to the Hebrews. We read there: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (2:9-10) And, a little later, we read: "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Verse 14)

Finally, we read in the Gospel of John that Christ attended the Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem during his lifetime on this planet (chapter 7). And, during his time there, he once again enjoined them to not make superficial judgments about righteousness (verses 22-24). Then, we read: "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (Verses 37-39) Interestingly, on the eighth day - the day of that holy convocation, Christ referred to that same living water that he had mentioned to the Samaritan woman at the well and invited everyone to partake of it!