Part 3: Feast of Tabernacles – Why Christians Should Observe the Fall Feasts
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) — A Call to Rejoice in God’s Presence
Beginning on the fifteenth day of the Seventh Month (Tishri), the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) arrives. It is a joyful seven-day celebration of God’s provision and presence (Leviticus 23:34–36). On our calendar that we use today the feast is sundown on October 6 until sundown on 13, 2025. Originally, the Hebrews celebrated this feast by dwelling in temporary shelters called sukkahs, recalling their wilderness journey and God’s faithfulness to provide for all their needs. Today Jewish communities, and Messianic Jewish congregations (both Jewish and non-Jewish believers in Yeshua (Jesus), celebrate Sukkot by building temporary structures (sukkahs) and hosting activities in them for seven days. Some groups will reserve an entire campgrounds and live there for seven days enjoying the outdoors, fellowship and worship services.
A growing number of Christians are now celebrating Sukkot, especially those who are drawn to the Jewish roots of their faith or who identify with the Messianic movement. While it’s not a mainstream observance in most traditional denominations, it’s gaining momentum among believers who see deep prophetic and spiritual meaning in the biblical feasts.
For Christians, Sukkot foreshadows the coming Kingdom when God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). It’s also a time to rejoice in the truth that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Building a sukkah, sharing meals, and worshiping outdoors can be a tangible way to experience the joy of Emmanuel — God with us.
🌿 For many Christians, Sukkot—the Feast of Tabernacles—is rich with both biblical remembrance and prophetic hope. Sukkot is deeply rooted in God’s Word and commandments. Christians are beginning to recognize this Appointed Time as part of the larger story of God’s redemption woven through scripture.
✨ Key Christian Perspectives
- God’s Presence Among His People
Sukkot recalls the time when God “tabernacled” with Israel in the wilderness—HIS presence dwelling in the midst of the camp in the form of the Shekhinah glory cloud. Many Christians connect this to John 1:14, where it says Yeshua (Jesus) “dwelt” (literally “tabernacled”) among us, seeing His incarnation as the ultimate fulfillment of God living with humanity. - Provision and Protection
Just as God provided food, water, and shelter for Israel during 40 years in the desert, Christians see Sukkot as a reminder of God’s ongoing care and faithfulness in their own lives. - Harvest Thanksgiving
The agricultural aspect of Sukkot—celebrating the final harvest—resonates with themes of gratitude. Some Christians link it to the idea of a future “harvest” of souls at the end of the age. - Prophetic Foreshadowing
Many believers point to Zechariah 14:16, which envisions all nations coming to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot in the Messianic Kingdom. This is seen as a picture of Yeshua (Jesus)’ return and His reign on earth. - Sukkot is one of the three biblical pilgrimage feasts (known in Hebrew as the Shalosh Regalim). God commanded that three times a year all Israelite men were to go up to “the place where He would put His name” (Jerusalem) to celebrate and bring an offerings to the Temple and dwell in sukkahs rejoicing before the Lord with the Four Species (palm, myrtle, willow, and citron).
- Possible Nativity Connection
Some believe the Messiah may have been born during Sukkot, noting the symbolism of God coming to dwell with humanity and the joy that marks the festival.
YESHUA in SUKKOT
At the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), Yeshua (Jesus) made one of His most profound public appearances, filled with symbolism, tension, and spiritual revelation. The Gospel of John (chapter 7) gives us the richest account of His actions during this feast.
🕊️ Key Moments of Yeshua at Feast of Tabernacles
- Initial Secrecy: Yeshua (Jesus) didn’t go publicly at first. His brothers urged Him to attend and show His works, but He replied, ” Yeshua said to them, “My time has not yet come; but for you, any time is right.” (John 7:6). He later went in secret.
- Teaching in the Temple: Midway through the festival, (7-day event), Yeshua (Jesus) began teaching openly in the temple courts. His wisdom astonished the crowd, especially since He hadn’t studied under any rabbinic school. He declared that His teaching came from God, not Himself (John 7:16–17).
- Controversy and Division: His presence stirred debate. Some believed He was the Messiah; others rejected Him because He came from Galilee. Religious leaders even tried to arrest Him, but the officers returned empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46).
- Living Water Declaration: On the last and greatest day of the feast, Yeshua (Jesus) stood and cried out:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37–38)
This echoed the water-pouring ceremony of the festival and pointed to the Holy Spirit, which believers would later receive.
🌿 Symbolic Fulfillment
The Feast of Tabernacles commemorated God’s provision during Israel’s wilderness journey. Yeshua, by declaring Himself the source of “living water,” positioned Himself as the ultimate fulfillment of that divine provision—offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life.
And there’s a deeper layer: John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Greek word for “dwelt” is skēnē, means “tabernacled.” So, Yeshua (Jesus) quite literally “pitched His tent” among humanity—embodying the very essence of Sukkot.
Final Thoughts: The Holy Days of God’s Seventh Month (Tishri) are not burdens but blessings — invitations from the KING to meet with Him in His Appointed Seasons. As we honor these days, we join a story that begins in the wilderness, was fulfilled in Messiah, and will culminate in the New Jerusalem.
In a world that runs on its own clock, the Seventh Month of God’s Calendar calls us back to God’s Time — to awaken, to humble ourselves, and to rejoice in His presence forever. This is a holy day that celebrates God’s dwelling with us.
🏕 Building and Dwelling in a Sukkah
- Some families or congregations construct a simple booth in their yard or church grounds, decorating it with fruits, vegetables, and greenery to symbolize God’s provision.
- Meals, prayer, and fellowship often take place inside, echoing the joy and hospitality of the original festival.
🙌 Worship and Thanksgiving
- Services may focus on God’s presence “tabernacling” with His people, drawing from John 1:14 and Revelation 21:3.
- Praise music, Scripture readings, and testimonies of God’s faithfulness are central, often framed as a “harvest thanksgiving” for both physical and spiritual blessings.
🌾 The Four Species (Arba Minim)
- While not all Christian groups use them, some incorporate the lulav (palm, myrtle, willow) and etrog (citron) in worship, teaching their biblical symbolism of unity, joy, and fruitfulness.
🌍 Outreach and Fellowship
- Many see Sukkot as a time to invite friends, neighbors, or the wider community—mirroring the prophetic vision in Zechariah 14:16 of all nations coming to worship the King.
- Some churches host multicultural meals or mission-focused events to reflect the “ingathering” of the nations.
🔮 Prophetic Reflection
- Messages often highlight Sukkot as a foreshadowing of the Messianic Kingdom—when God will dwell with humanity in fullness.
- This makes it both a celebration of past deliverance and a rehearsal for future hope