20. John 7:25-52 Jesus, the Messiah rejected by the World

 

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:
 28 So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, “You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. 29 I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.”

31 Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 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.

What does this passage reveal about God?

• Jesus is sent by God and speaks His truth (v. 28-29).
• Jesus offers living water—eternal life through the Holy Spirit (v. 37-39).

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

• Our fear and pride can prevent us from seeing God's truth. Today, many reject Jesus due to misunderstandings, rather than a true knowledge of who He is.
  
  
  

What did this passage mean to its original audience?
Many Jews doubted Jesus' Messiahship because they thought that Jesus was from Galilee, not Bethlehem (v. 42). However, they did not realize that He was indeed from David’s line and had been born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1).

Jesus' statement about living water (vv. 37-39): During the Feast of Tabernacles, priests poured out water as a symbol of God's provision and the hope for future salvation. In this context, Jesus stood up and proclaimed that He is the true source of living water.  Jesus revealed that He offers something far greater than any ritual—He offers spiritual life.

In verse 38, He says, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'" This refers to the work of the Holy Spirit, who would come to dwell within believers. Jesus was pointing to the future giving of the Spirit, which would empower His followers with eternal life and a life-giving power that overflows to others.

Verse 39 clarifies that Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit, who would be given to those who believed in Him. However, the Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified through His death, resurrection, and ascension. Once Jesus was glorified, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on His followers, fulfilling Jesus' promise of living water.

How does this passage impact my attitude? 

Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (v. 37). This challenges me to ask myself: Where do I go when I feel empty? It reminds me that only Jesus can truly satisfy my soul—not success, relationships, or anything else. He also offers the Holy Spirit, who grants eternal life and empowers us (vv. 38-39).

How does this passage challenge my actions?
Am I truly relying on the Holy Spirit? I want to cultivate a deeper desire for the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life. I will intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to lead me each day, asking for His strength, wisdom, and peace in my decisions. So, I will take time to pray, worship, and seek His presence instead of trying to fill my life with temporary things.  

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for being the source of true life, the only one who can truly satisfy my soul.
When I feel empty or lost, remind me to come to You for living water, not to the things of this world. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and lead me each day with Your wisdom, strength, and peace.

In Your name, Amen.