Introduction: Jesus, the Source of Living Water
I don't have to tell any of you - but - the Bible has a way of challenging us, not just with its words but with its structure. In John 7, we find ourselves in the middle of a heated conversation about Jesus’ identity and authority. It’s a chapter where division, questions, and bold declarations collide.
The Feast of Tabernacles sets the backdrop—a celebration of God’s provision in the wilderness and His promise of future deliverance. Into this tradition-filled context, Jesus steps forward with audacious claims about Himself as the source of living water.
This week, we’ll explore the tension and truth found in John 7:18–35. We’ll see Jesus challenge the crowd’s assumptions, offer life-giving promises, and reveal His divine mission.
I might throw in a few - "Now this is important," or my recently stolen tag line - "Consider this..."
As we journey through the text, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean to drink deeply of the living water Jesus offers? And the blog readers all say .... "What's That?"
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
I don't have to tell any of you - but - the Bible has a way of challenging us, not just with its words but with its structure. In John 7, we find ourselves in the middle of a heated conversation about Jesus’ identity and authority. It’s a chapter where division, questions, and bold declarations collide.
The Feast of Tabernacles sets the backdrop—a celebration of God’s provision in the wilderness and His promise of future deliverance. Into this tradition-filled context, Jesus steps forward with audacious claims about Himself as the source of living water.
This week, we’ll explore the tension and truth found in John 7:18–35. We’ll see Jesus challenge the crowd’s assumptions, offer life-giving promises, and reveal His divine mission.
I might throw in a few - "Now this is important," or my recently stolen tag line - "Consider this..."
As we journey through the text, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean to drink deeply of the living water Jesus offers? And the blog readers all say .... "What's That?"
New here?
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.
After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.
Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.
Monday: Speaking for God's Glory
New Testament Reading: John 7:18–20
"Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him." (v.18)
Old Testament Parallel: Jeremiah 23:16
"Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord."
Connection:
Both passages remind us of the danger of self-serving motives in spiritual matters. Jesus contrasts His mission—to glorify the Father—with those who distort truth for personal gain. Jeremiah issues a similar warning about false prophets, whose words reflect their own desires rather than God’s. These verses push us to consider whether our lives and words align with God’s truth or our own ambitions.
Historical Context:
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) sets the stage for John 7. This week-long celebration commemorated God’s provision in the wilderness and His faithfulness to sustain His people. Families lived in temporary shelters (sukkahs) to remember their ancestors’ dependence on God, while the festival also looked forward to the coming Messiah, who would bring ultimate deliverance.
One of the key rituals of the feast was the water-drawing ceremony (not pencil and paper – bucket and water). The ritual symbolized life, renewal, and the outpouring of God’s Spirit. The priest would draw water from the Pool of Siloam, carry it to the altar, and pour it out alongside the daily sacrifices.
This practice not only acknowledged God’s provision of rain for the harvest but also anticipated the Messianic age described in passages like Isaiah 12:3: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The feast also highlighted the law given through Moses. The people reflected on their covenant with God, remembering the law as a gift meant to guide them in righteousness.
Against this backdrop, Jesus’ words in John 7:19 take on added weight: “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law.” His statement would have been both shocking and convicting, as it exposed the gap between their reverence for the law and their failure to live by it.
How does the crowd respond? Crucify, Crucify – no wait - that comes much, much later. For now they are “just”—accusing Jesus of being demon-possessed – no big deal? Yikes! But doesn’t this just reflect their resistance to this truth.
Anyone guilty of that in our day and age? Rather than examining their hearts, they deflect the challenge by attempting to discredit Him.
This echoes the dynamic in Jeremiah’s time, when false prophets offered easy reassurances instead of calling for repentance. Both passages reveal how truth often provokes defensiveness when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes hypocrisy. If you have never read the entire story of Jerimiah – you have to feel sorry for the guy!
Modern Parallel:
In today’s world, we often face the same struggles as the crowd in John 7—wrestling with truth that challenges our comfort, assumptions, or desires. The question is how often do we avoid uncomfortable truths, preferring to hear what aligns with our opinions or fits neatly into our plans?
This is often called living in an echo chamber. Echo’s don’t know when they are telling a lie!
Jesus’ words call us to a higher standard: to seek God’s glory and truth above all else.
But this is not easy, is it? This challenge is especially relevant in a society saturated with competing voices, where self-promotion, quick fixes, and “feel-good” messages dominate.
Reflection:
Whether it’s social media influencers, political leaders, or even our own inner voice, we often gravitate toward what feels affirming rather than what calls us to grow and change. Jeremiah’s warning against false prophets reminds us to ask:
Are these voices rooted in God’s truth, or are they just telling me what I want to hear?
Monday Prayer:
Lord, You are the source of truth, life, and every good thing.
Help me to seek Your glory above my own and to discern the voices that align with Your Word.Give me the humility to embrace Your truth, even when it challenges me, and the faith to trustYour provision in every season.May my words, actions, and desires reflect Your glory and draw others to the living water You offer.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
New Testament Reading: John 7:18–20
"Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him." (v.18)
Old Testament Parallel: Jeremiah 23:16
"Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord."
Connection:
Both passages remind us of the danger of self-serving motives in spiritual matters. Jesus contrasts His mission—to glorify the Father—with those who distort truth for personal gain. Jeremiah issues a similar warning about false prophets, whose words reflect their own desires rather than God’s. These verses push us to consider whether our lives and words align with God’s truth or our own ambitions.
Historical Context:
The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) sets the stage for John 7. This week-long celebration commemorated God’s provision in the wilderness and His faithfulness to sustain His people. Families lived in temporary shelters (sukkahs) to remember their ancestors’ dependence on God, while the festival also looked forward to the coming Messiah, who would bring ultimate deliverance.
One of the key rituals of the feast was the water-drawing ceremony (not pencil and paper – bucket and water). The ritual symbolized life, renewal, and the outpouring of God’s Spirit. The priest would draw water from the Pool of Siloam, carry it to the altar, and pour it out alongside the daily sacrifices.
This practice not only acknowledged God’s provision of rain for the harvest but also anticipated the Messianic age described in passages like Isaiah 12:3: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The feast also highlighted the law given through Moses. The people reflected on their covenant with God, remembering the law as a gift meant to guide them in righteousness.
Against this backdrop, Jesus’ words in John 7:19 take on added weight: “Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law.” His statement would have been both shocking and convicting, as it exposed the gap between their reverence for the law and their failure to live by it.
How does the crowd respond? Crucify, Crucify – no wait - that comes much, much later. For now they are “just”—accusing Jesus of being demon-possessed – no big deal? Yikes! But doesn’t this just reflect their resistance to this truth.
Anyone guilty of that in our day and age? Rather than examining their hearts, they deflect the challenge by attempting to discredit Him.
This echoes the dynamic in Jeremiah’s time, when false prophets offered easy reassurances instead of calling for repentance. Both passages reveal how truth often provokes defensiveness when it challenges deeply held beliefs or exposes hypocrisy. If you have never read the entire story of Jerimiah – you have to feel sorry for the guy!
Modern Parallel:
In today’s world, we often face the same struggles as the crowd in John 7—wrestling with truth that challenges our comfort, assumptions, or desires. The question is how often do we avoid uncomfortable truths, preferring to hear what aligns with our opinions or fits neatly into our plans?
This is often called living in an echo chamber. Echo’s don’t know when they are telling a lie!
Jesus’ words call us to a higher standard: to seek God’s glory and truth above all else.
But this is not easy, is it? This challenge is especially relevant in a society saturated with competing voices, where self-promotion, quick fixes, and “feel-good” messages dominate.
Reflection:
Whether it’s social media influencers, political leaders, or even our own inner voice, we often gravitate toward what feels affirming rather than what calls us to grow and change. Jeremiah’s warning against false prophets reminds us to ask:
Are these voices rooted in God’s truth, or are they just telling me what I want to hear?
Monday Prayer:
Lord, You are the source of truth, life, and every good thing.
Help me to seek Your glory above my own and to discern the voices that align with Your Word.Give me the humility to embrace Your truth, even when it challenges me, and the faith to trustYour provision in every season.May my words, actions, and desires reflect Your glory and draw others to the living water You offer.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Tuesday: Judging with Righteousness
New Testament Reading: John 7:21–24
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly." (v.24)
Old Testament Parallel: Isaiah 11:3–4
"He will not judge by what He sees with His eyes, or decide by what He hears with His ears; but with righteousness He will judge the needy."
Connection:
Jesus calls for righteous judgment, mirroring the prophecy in Isaiah about the Messiah who judges with wisdom and fairness, not outward appearances.
New Testament Reading: John 7:21–24
"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly." (v.24)
Old Testament Parallel: Isaiah 11:3–4
"He will not judge by what He sees with His eyes, or decide by what He hears with His ears; but with righteousness He will judge the needy."
Connection:
Jesus calls for righteous judgment, mirroring the prophecy in Isaiah about the Messiah who judges with wisdom and fairness, not outward appearances.
Wednesday: Jesus, the Provider of Living Water
New Testament Reading: John 7:25–29
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (v.38)
Old Testament Parallel: Isaiah 55:1
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!"
Connection:
Jesus fulfills the promise of living water that satisfies spiritual thirst, echoing Isaiah’s invitation to all who are thirsty to come and drink freely.
New Testament Reading: John 7:25–29
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (v.38)
Old Testament Parallel: Isaiah 55:1
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!"
Connection:
Jesus fulfills the promise of living water that satisfies spiritual thirst, echoing Isaiah’s invitation to all who are thirsty to come and drink freely.
Thursday: Where Jesus Is From
New Testament Reading: John 7:30–32
"But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where He is from." (v.27)
Old Testament Parallel: Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel."
Connection:
The crowd questions Jesus’ origin, but Micah’s prophecy affirms the Messiah’s humble yet divine roots. Jesus’ mission is bigger than their assumptions.
New Testament Reading: John 7:30–32
"But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where He is from." (v.27)
Old Testament Parallel: Micah 5:2
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel."
Connection:
The crowd questions Jesus’ origin, but Micah’s prophecy affirms the Messiah’s humble yet divine roots. Jesus’ mission is bigger than their assumptions.
Friday: Seeking and Finding Jesus
New Testament Reading: John 7:33–34
"I am with you for only a short time, and then I am going to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me."
Old Testament Parallel: Amos 8:11–12
"The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord."
Connection:
Jesus warns the crowd of a time when they will seek Him but not find Him, echoing Amos’s prophecy of a spiritual famine caused by rejecting God’s Word.
New Testament Reading: John 7:33–34
"I am with you for only a short time, and then I am going to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me."
Old Testament Parallel: Amos 8:11–12
"The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord."
Connection:
Jesus warns the crowd of a time when they will seek Him but not find Him, echoing Amos’s prophecy of a spiritual famine caused by rejecting God’s Word.
Saturday: Divided Responses to Jesus
New Testament Reading: John 7:35
"Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks?"
Old Testament Parallel: Zechariah 7:12
"They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by His Spirit."
Connection:
The crowd’s confusion reflects the hard-heartedness described in Zechariah. Jesus’ message divides those who listen from those who reject Him.
New Testament Reading: John 7:35
"Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him? Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks?"
Old Testament Parallel: Zechariah 7:12
"They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by His Spirit."
Connection:
The crowd’s confusion reflects the hard-heartedness described in Zechariah. Jesus’ message divides those who listen from those who reject Him.
Posted in Pentecost 2025
Pentecost Week Eight - Luke 7:18-35 Jesus the Source of Living Water
August 3rd, 2025
Pentecost Week Seven - Luke 7:11-17 Jesus Heals
July 27th, 2025
Pentecost Week Seven - Luke 7:1-10 - Jesus is Amazed
July 20th, 2025
Pentecost Week Six - Luke 6:20:20-26 - Render Unto God What is God's
July 13th, 2025
Pentecost Week Five - Luke 6:42-47 - A Church on Quicksand
July 6th, 2025
No Comments