Here we have the account of the Lord Jesus starting to teach
the people as he moves into the temple courts during the Feast of Tabernacles.
There are various groups of people listening to Jesus and it is interesting to
see the different attitudes and responses they have towards him. At first
the Jews were amazed at his teaching but then their mood changes and later both
the chief priests and the
Pharisees are conspiring together to arrest him. As you read these verses look at the different responses people have, and also how ignorance, prejudice and pride prevented many from believing in Jesus. Is there anything today preventing you from believing in Jesus or from growing in your faith? If so how can you overcome it?
Pharisees are conspiring together to arrest him. As you read these verses look at the different responses people have, and also how ignorance, prejudice and pride prevented many from believing in Jesus. Is there anything today preventing you from believing in Jesus or from growing in your faith? If so how can you overcome it?
On the last day of the Feast we are told in verses 37-38
that Jesus stood and spoke in a loud voice as he delivered his message.
No doubt he had been watching the crowds in the heat of day, hustling and
jostling one another as they came to worship. Many would be tired and
thirsty after a busy week celebrating the Feast and making their sacrificial offerings.
Jesus sees their physical needs but also the spiritual thirst in their lives
and so invites anyone who is spiritually thirsty to come to him and
drink. The verses are similar to those in John 4, but here we have the
promise of the Holy Spirit who would come as prophesied in Joel 2:28-29, or the
Day of Pentecost, to indwell all those who believed in Jesus. The Holy
Spirit is God, the Third Person within the Godhead who comes with power to
strengthen and purify us. He is the mediator of new birth and forgiveness in
our lives and helps us to be witnesses for Jesus. His presence in us is
linked to streams of living water continually flowing through us.
Response
Today let us
acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ and pray for the Holy Spirit to pour his
living water into our lives to refresh and renew us for the day ahead.
Susan
I like the way we witness Nicodemus' faith journey in John. I chapter 3 he is fearful as well as being sympathetic and perhaps a little sceptical. In John 7 he is standing up for him in public, but in a measured, non-committal way. And then later ... well, no spoilers from me!
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