RESPONDING TO JESUS THE LIVING WATER
John WARNER | BusH CHURCH AID
(John 7:1-52)
(Exodus 17:1-7; Leviticus 23:34; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 13:1; 14:6– 21)
Main Point: John 7 gives a portrait of varying attitudes and responses to the identity and mission of Jesus as the new Temple from whom flows the water of spiritual renewal and eternal life for any spiritually thirsty person who will believe in him.
God’s question for us is? Who has ……………………………………….. (Isaiah 53:1)
1) responses to Jesus so far … (6:50-7:24)
- Jesus’ ‘not there yet’ brothers in Galilee (1-9)
- Who are ‘the Jews’ and why do they want to kill Jesus? (10-24)
2) divided responses during the feast of booths (25-36)
- ‘a people’s’ shallow belief & ‘grumbling’ about Jesus’ identity (v32 cf 6:61)
- unable to arrest & unable to come where Jesus is going (7:33-34 cf 13:33)
3) Jesus’ great invitation on the last day of the feast (37-52)
- Symbolic meaning of the last day
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as
the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (37-38)
4) ‘the thirsty’ are coming to Jesus & believing in him
- a thirsty woman transformed and telling out (John 4)
- a man coming to & coming out at great cost (John 3:1-15; 7:50-51; 19:39)
what do you believe will matter in the end?
“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. (Revelation 21:6)
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price… (Revelation 22:17)