John 7:1-14 Some of Jesus' most confrontational and provocative teaching came after He decided to make a surprise appearance at one of Israel's most popular festivals. The Festival of Tabernacles was a festival that God instituted after His people entered the Promised Land, and by the time of Jesus, it was a significant, yearly tradition. As was normal for Jesus, He turned the meaning and significance of the Festival on its head, and in doing so, we receive a deep and profound understanding of who He is.