John 7:32-52
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. – John 7:39
In John 7, we see different reactions to Jesus’ identity. His brothers, who obviously didn’t believe Him, challenged Him to gain popularity by going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths. Though Jesus eventually went, He did so quietly. As He began teaching in the temple, people responded in various ways—some marvelled at the authority of His teaching (v.15), others debated if He was the Christ (v.12), and some sought to arrest Him (v.30) due to His growing influence.
On the last day of the feast, Jesus made a bold proclamation: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (vv.37-38) He promised that those who believed in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from within. To grasp the significance of this, we must understand the spiritual meaning of the Feast of Booths.
In the Old Testament, this feast was linked to the harvest season and lasted seven days. It was one of the most popular festivals. It reminded God’s people how God provided for them in the wilderness, so they lived in temporary shelters made of leaves and branches during the celebration. A special part of the feast was the daily ceremony of water-drawing in the morning and lamp-lighting in the evening in the temple. People thanked God for the rain that helped their crops grow and also looked forward to the day when God’s Spirit would be poured out in His kingdom.
It is against such backdrop that Jesus offered living water to pilgrims who came to Jerusalem for the feast. Jesus claims to be the source of the blessings anticipated at the feast. When He is glorified by being ‘lifted up’ on the cross, the Spirit will be poured out, and the rivers of God’s blessing will flow into this thirsty and parched world.
Unlike the Samaritan woman who believed in Him, many at the feast remained divided. Some thought He was the Prophet or the Christ, while others doubted because they misunderstood His origins. Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, they assumed He came from Galilee and dismissed Him. This highlights how misconceptions can prevent people from recognizing the truth.
Even the temple officers sent to arrest Jesus were struck by His words and returned empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (v.46). The Pharisees, in their pride, mocked them and refused to acknowledge Jesus’ authority (vv.47-49). Their hardened hearts illustrate the contrast between those who genuinely seek the truth and those who reject it out of self-interest. The Pharisees had already made up their minds, dismissing evidence that contradicted their views. They were not seeking truth but justification for their unbelief. Today, people still have differing opinions about Jesus. Some are open to the truth, while others resist it due to pride, tradition, or misunderstanding.
As Christ’s disciples, let us help our friends and loved ones overcome misconceptions about Jesus. By sharing the truth with love and patience, let us guide them to see Him for who He truly is. Dear brothers and sisters, do you have open hearts to receive His truth, and are you ready to help those with open hearts to do the same?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your truth through Jesus. Open our hearts to receive Him fully, and help us share His love with those who are searching. Give us wisdom to guide others past misconceptions and into the light of Your grace. Strengthen our faith, that we may boldly proclaim Your name. May Your Spirit flow through us like living water, bringing life and hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
In John 7, we see different reactions to Jesus’ identity. His brothers, who obviously didn’t believe Him, challenged Him to gain popularity by going to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths. Though Jesus eventually went, He did so quietly. As He began teaching in the temple, people responded in various ways—some marvelled at the authority of His teaching (v.15), others debated if He was the Christ (v.12), and some sought to arrest Him (v.30) due to His growing influence.
On the last day of the feast, Jesus made a bold proclamation: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (vv.37-38) He promised that those who believed in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from within. To grasp the significance of this, we must understand the spiritual meaning of the Feast of Booths.
In the Old Testament, this feast was linked to the harvest season and lasted seven days. It was one of the most popular festivals. It reminded God’s people how God provided for them in the wilderness, so they lived in temporary shelters made of leaves and branches during the celebration. A special part of the feast was the daily ceremony of water-drawing in the morning and lamp-lighting in the evening in the temple. People thanked God for the rain that helped their crops grow and also looked forward to the day when God’s Spirit would be poured out in His kingdom.
It is against such backdrop that Jesus offered living water to pilgrims who came to Jerusalem for the feast. Jesus claims to be the source of the blessings anticipated at the feast. When He is glorified by being ‘lifted up’ on the cross, the Spirit will be poured out, and the rivers of God’s blessing will flow into this thirsty and parched world.
Unlike the Samaritan woman who believed in Him, many at the feast remained divided. Some thought He was the Prophet or the Christ, while others doubted because they misunderstood His origins. Although Jesus was born in Bethlehem, they assumed He came from Galilee and dismissed Him. This highlights how misconceptions can prevent people from recognizing the truth.
Even the temple officers sent to arrest Jesus were struck by His words and returned empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (v.46). The Pharisees, in their pride, mocked them and refused to acknowledge Jesus’ authority (vv.47-49). Their hardened hearts illustrate the contrast between those who genuinely seek the truth and those who reject it out of self-interest. The Pharisees had already made up their minds, dismissing evidence that contradicted their views. They were not seeking truth but justification for their unbelief. Today, people still have differing opinions about Jesus. Some are open to the truth, while others resist it due to pride, tradition, or misunderstanding.
As Christ’s disciples, let us help our friends and loved ones overcome misconceptions about Jesus. By sharing the truth with love and patience, let us guide them to see Him for who He truly is. Dear brothers and sisters, do you have open hearts to receive His truth, and are you ready to help those with open hearts to do the same?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your truth through Jesus. Open our hearts to receive Him fully, and help us share His love with those who are searching. Give us wisdom to guide others past misconceptions and into the light of Your grace. Strengthen our faith, that we may boldly proclaim Your name. May Your Spirit flow through us like living water, bringing life and hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.