GETTING STARTED
Sometimes we don’t know the history or relevance of the memorials or events that we celebrate. The farther we get away from the actual event, the more likely we are to either forget or never learn the actual meaning behind the celebration or remembrance. That is why we hear the phrase “never forget.” The Jewish nation has been celebrating many feasts for thousands of years. In John 7, we see an example of a time when the people may not have remembered the real meaning behind a feast. We get the privilege of hearing Jesus explain the real meaning behind this feast.
- When have you participated in an event although you didn’t really know the meaning and purpose behind it?
READ THE WORD: JOHN 7:37-44 (ESV)
37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
40 When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people over him. 44 Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- To whom did Jesus offer a drink (vs. 37)?
- What was the drink he offered (vs. 38)?
- Who is the living water (vs. 39)?
- Why were the people divided? Which side would you be on?
RESPOND TO GOD
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the priest would go to the Pool of Siloam to draw water and carry it to the temple. It was probably at this moment that Jesus cried out that anyone thirsty should come to him. The feasts and memorials that the Jews carried out in the Old Testament all found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. For thousands of years, they would celebrate this feast and not truly understand all that it pointed to. Jesus was letting them know that he was the reason they had been dipping into the water all of those years. If they would have placed their faith in him, he would have given them living water, which is the Holy Spirit. Feasts and religion can never bring us real life. New and eternal life only comes through Jesus.
- If you have placed your faith in Jesus, thank him for giving you the Holy Spirit.
- Ask the Lord to help you obey the Spirit as he daily leads you.
