It was winter...

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. - John 10:22-23

The Feast of Dedication, known as Hanukah, celebrates the reconsecration of the temple in 165 B.C. after Antiochus defiled the temple. The timing of Hanukah is similar to when we celebrate Advent and Christmas. Interestingly, John indicates that the narrative occurs in the winter, a seemingly redundant observation. Why would John, who tends not to waste words in his gospel writing, suggest that it was winter during Hanukah? Some scholars believe that John also showed the heart condition of the people gathered in the temple. Their hearts were hardened and cold and, therefore, were not receptive to Jesus. Hardened hearts are insensitive to the voice of Jesus, sin, and are easily offended and resentful.

How is your heart today?

Confession, repentance, obedience, and reorientation are the cure for hardened hearts. If you are angry, easily offended, resentful, or insensitive to the voice of Jesus, turn your heart towards Jesus and repent.

May the LORD soften your heart today.

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. - Acts 3:19-21