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193. Is He The Christ?


John 7:25-44
Key Verse: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:37B-38

While Jesus began His teaching near the middle of the feast, the passage for today is focused on the last day. In other words, while Jesus’ words are recorded in less than 30 verses, He probably said a lot more over the four final days of the feast and John is only giving us the highlights. Remember that, according to the passage in Leviticus, the first and last days of the feast were to be solemn days of worship. This day would have been the apex or culmination of communal worship before the people would head home for the winter. They would not be together again, as a complete community, until Passover, in the spring. Jesus, knowing all things, knew what their next gathering for Passover would bring, so He made this one strong appeal for the people to consider as they sat out the rainy season in their homes.

The main topic of discussion among the attendees to the feast seems to be, is Jesus the Christ, God's anointed King over Israel, or not? In fact, there was enough of a "whispering," (John 7:34) about Him that the Pharisees grew concerned. They would be very interested in not having any trouble among such a huge gathering of the people. After all, it was safest not to attract the attention of Rome, not to mention that, if trouble broke out, their own power and control could be brought into question.

The Feast of Tabernacles took place after the harvest. The harvest was usually a dry time of the year, which was good for gathering crops, yet it would not be good if the water supply got too low. On the last day of the feast, prayers would be offered that the Lord would now send rain and also, that the Lord would restore the light in the spring. Remember, they were approaching the time of winter when the sunlight diminishes until after the winter Solstice, at which time it begins to increase again. It was probably during this time of the prayers for water that Jesus stood up and made His dramatic plea to the people: "If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38-39)

One can't help but be reminded of Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John 4, and His discussion with her about having living water that is so satisfying that she would never thirst again. Then, as now, Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit from whom all blessings flow. Just as the woman could not understand what Jesus was promising, the crowd here is also confused.

Jesus' words, however, only seemed to bring out the fun house mirrors again. Some thought He was a prophet. Others thought He was the Christ. Still others thought He couldn't possibly be the Christ because He had come from Galilee, not Bethlehem. Jesus was speaking the truth, but most did not understand. Even if Jesus had spoken very plainly and said, "Yes, I am the Christ and if you believe in Me, I will give you my Holy Spirit and eternal life," it wouldn't have helped. It is only after the Holy Spirit came, following the resurrection, that any of us have been able to somewhat understand the depth of the meaning of what Jesus is offering here. There is still much mystery involved in our walk with Him. It's okay that we do not understand all things now. In His time we will gain understanding if we continue to trust and seek to grow closer to Him.

Hymn: "Holy Spirit Reign Down"

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