We continue our study of the Gospel of John. Today we will look at verses found in 7:32-46. The Apostle is writing to the Jews – and all who read the Word – He is urging acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.
John writes of Jesus being at the ‘Festival of Tabernacles’ early in His Ministry. He had already created quite a buzz among the people before the Festival with His miracle healings, and new and fresh teaching, and obviously was doing the same there. Several of the people there began to believe He indeed is the Messiah. The Chief Priests, and Pharisees wanted to shut Him down, so they ordered the temple guards to arrest Him.
But when the guards went, they heard His words. They heard Him say, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me as Scripture has said, rivers of living waters will flow from within them.” By this He meant the Spirit whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not been glorified. It alluded to the promises of living water, the Holy Spirit, spoken by the Prophet Isaiah. “Surely God is my Salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself is my strength and my defense, He has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12: 2,3. “For I will pour out water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessings on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.” Isaiah 44:3,4. Only the Messiah could declare these promises of Living Water would be fulfilled through Him.
After He spoke these words, the crowds became even more divided. Some believed He was a Prophet, some believed He was the Messiah, some believed He could not be the Messiah because of where He came from. There was confusion, because they did not rightly know the Word, nor did some of them know where He was born, and of the line from which He came to earth. But the guards did not arrest Him, and when asked why, the said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” John 7:46
Let there be no doubt or confusion in our hearts. We are blessed to have the Word. Let us spend time in it and let the Holy Spirit direct us to truth.
May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May He make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May He turn His face toward you, and give you peace. He loves you So, God’s Beloveds. Have a wonderful day.