Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! John 7:37 WEB
Chapter seven in John’s gospel describes events surrounding Jesus’ attendance of the Festival of Tabernacles. It is an annual pilgrimage festival in celebration of God’s providence during the forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Also, the festival celebrates the promised Messianic age, a time when people from around the world would travel to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
After preaching in all of Galilee, the Lord went to Jerusalem to take part in the feast. While at the festival, Jesus began to teach the word of God in the temple courts. The Lord astounded his listeners with his knowledge. As we read in John 7:15, “The Jews there were amazed and asked, ‘How did this man get such learning without having been taught?’ WEB”
Rivers of Living Water
Because of his powerful teaching, ability to perform miracles, and Jesus’ claim that God sent him, the crowds began to debate whether or not he was the promised Messiah. On the last day of the festival, Jesus made his claim very clear. Saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink,” Jesus began a narrative that left no doubt that he claimed to be the Messiah, our Savior.
It is the words that followed Jesus’ appeal, “If anyone is thirsty,” that cut to the core of his assertion that he is in fact the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah, our Christ. The Lord said in John 7:38, “He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water. WEB” John reveals that these rivers of living water refer to the Holy Spirit indwelling and working through those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your saving grace. Thank you for filling me with rivers of living water. Guide with the wisdom of your holy word. Help me to share the gospel of salvation with the world. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Wine Ran Out
