Day 7
John 7:37-38
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
At the festival of Booths (Tabernacles), Jesus proclaims, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink” (Jn 7:37). During this festival, there were several ceremonies that involved pouring out water. In this context, Jesus declares himself to be the only thing that could quench their thirst. Why? Because, like the woman at the well, human thirst speaks to the dryness of a soul that was made for intimacy with God. Jesus said I’m the only one who can give you the depth of security, affirmation, validation, and rest your soul craves. Next, Jesus says, “Out of the believer’s heart (belly) shall flow rivers of living water.” The Greek word here refers to a person’s innermost part– the depths of their soul. It’s interesting that Jesus tells them to come to him for living water but then declares that living water would flow out of them. Verse 39 clarifies this, saying that the water references the spirit believers would receive when Jesus was glorified. So, Jesus spoke prophetically of a future when believers would carry the Spirit of God as he did on earth. The Holy Spirit Jesus sent when he ascended to glory wasn’t in heaven, waiting for Jesus to tap him in. The Spirit was actively at work in Jesus, allowing him to access power and have intimate fellowship with God the Father (Romans 8:11). Jesus died, resurrected, and rose to glory, giving us access to the Holy Spirit. However, until he is glorified (exalted, put above everything else) in our lives, we won’t be completely filled up in such a way that we can carry the living water within us and be so satisfied in the depth of our souls that the Spirit of God flows from our very being.
Next Steps
Read John chapter 7 and take notes, making observations and asking questions as you read.
Mediate on 1 or 2 verses that stood out to you. Focus on what they reveal about God and how the Spirit is inviting you to respond. Find a helpful guide to biblical meditation here.
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
Reflection Questions
What have you been exalting above Jesus in your life? Could this be blocking your access to intimacy?
People had strong opinions about Jesus but no one in the text just treated him casually, Why do you think Jesus caused such strong opinions? Why isn’t it like that today?
What is the prerequisite for having living water flow from a person?
Prayer Points
Lord help me to believe in you so that I can be filled and overflow with your Holy Spirit (John 7:38)
Lord show me how to glorify you in my academics, career, relationships, and every area of my life (John 7:39)
Lord let me recognize the truth of who you are and honor you through obedience to your word (John 7:40-41)
