Living Water: A Devotional on John 7:1-10:42
October 14
Scripture: John 7:1-10:42 (NIV)
In John 7:1-10:42, we witness Jesus' interactions with various people and His teachings during the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. This passage reveals Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the source of living water for all who believe in Him.
One important verse from this passage is:
John 7:37-38 (NIV):
"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. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'"
This verse captures Jesus' invitation to all who are spiritually thirsty to come to Him and receive the living water of salvation and eternal life through faith in Him.
The passage begins with Jesus' brothers urging Him to go to Jerusalem to reveal Himself openly as the Messiah. However, Jesus tells them that His time has not yet come. Despite their insistence, Jesus remains in Galilee until the Feast of Tabernacles is well underway. Then, He goes to Jerusalem in secret to avoid the Jewish leaders who seek to kill Him.
During the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus begins teaching openly in the temple courts, causing division among the people. Some recognize Him as the Messiah, while others doubt His identity and authority. Jesus declares Himself as the source of living water, promising that those who believe in Him will experience rivers of living water flowing from within them.
As Jesus continues to teach, He encounters opposition from the religious leaders who seek to arrest Him. However, His time has not yet come, and He continues to proclaim the truth about His identity and mission.
In John 9, Jesus performs a miracle by healing a man who was born blind, demonstrating His power to bring spiritual sight to those who believe in Him. This miracle further divides the people, with some believing in Jesus and others rejecting Him.
In John 10, Jesus identifies Himself as the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He contrasts Himself with the religious leaders who are like hired hands, caring only for themselves. Jesus emphasizes His sacrificial love for His followers and His ability to give them eternal life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, as the source of living water for our thirsty souls. Help us to come to Jesus in faith, trusting in Him to satisfy our deepest longings and to lead us on the path of eternal life.
May we drink deeply from the well of salvation and share the living water with others who are spiritually thirsty.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
