A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit, a mixed response to the identity of Jesus, and Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals living water as the Holy Spirit.
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. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ (ESV, John 7:37-38)
The week long feast of the Tabernacle included a religious ritual that brings Jesus’ words to life. During the first six days, a gold pitcher was filled with water from the Pool of Siloam and carried to the temple. Three blasts on a ram’s horn announced when they reached the water gate. And at the temple, they circled the altar singing songs of praise and shaking palm branches. Then the temple priest poured the water into a silver bowl on the alter and then over the alter. It symbolized the belief that when the Messiah appeared, he would provide manna and water like Moses did in the wilderness.
Jesus uses the same Greek words for “living water” in V.38 as in John 4:10 when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus is the source of that living water, which refers specifically to the Holy Spirit. And what makes the statment outrageous is it claims equality with God. A blasphemous statement to the religious leaders.
In V.39, John further predicts an outpouring of the Spirit on believers after Jesus is glorified. This is fulfilled and recorded in Acts 2. However, today, God’s Spirit fills every person the moment they believe on Jesus and confess him as Savior and Lord.
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals a mixed response to the identity of Jesus.
When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? (ESV, John 7:40-41)
The people listening to Jesus expressed different opinions about his identity. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses foretells that God will raise up “a prophet like me from among your brothers.” Therefore, many Jews expected a prophet to appear separate from the Messiah. And perhaps, Jesus was the prophet Moses spoke about rather than Messiah.
Others were convinced he was the Christ, which is the Greek Christos, and means annointed one. They didn’t see how anyone else could be more spectacular than Jesus. Therefore, they believed he was the Messiah. But others rejected him because he came from Galilee and scriptures said the Messiah was a descendent of David who was born in Bethlehem.
The irony, of course, is Jesus fulfilled both of those prophecies. And those unbelievers would have discovered that had they explored further. So it makes you wonder. Had they already formed their unbelief and simply looked to support it rather than open mindedly pursue the truth? Would the truth convince them or simply force another excuse for unbelief?
A study of John 7:37-8:1 reveals Jesus’ rejection by the spiritual elite.
The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (ESV, John 7:45-46)
In John 7:32, the chief priests and Pharisees send officers to arrest Jesus. They were likely Levites who functioned as security to enforce order within the temple. And they exercised wider authority under the command of the chief priests. But they aren’t mentioned again all the way through V.44. Did they drop into a narrative black hole? Or is John using creative storytelling? Describe an action and immediately shift to another scene to increase dramatic tension?
Because finally, in V.45, the officers report back to the chief priests and Pharisees empty handed. And when asked why, they simply respond, “No one ever spoke like this man!” In other words, there was something extraordinary about Jesus’ teaching. More than captivating. But true.
The religious leaders responded by mocking the officers. Essentially calling them stupid. How can you believe Jesus’ lies? None of us among the intellectually elite believe in him. And that is proof enough that neither should you. Unfortunately, what the religious leaders considered intellectual superiority was actually spiritual blindness.
Furthermore, it was not true that all the religious leaders rejected Jesus. Although not ready to publicly declare his beliefs, Nicodemus spoke on Jesus’ behalf by reminding the others that Jewish law did not allow judgement without a fair hearing. Although that too would soon face a test.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.
