[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 7
Bible Verses:
“8 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.” (John 7:18)
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24)
“ On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water 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 yet been glorified.” (John 7:37-39)
JESUS GOES TO THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (vs. 1-13)
When the Jewish Feast of Tabernacle is near, Jesus’ brothers told him to go to Judea and perform miracles there. But Jesus has his own time. He went there in secret, not publicly. When the crowds saw him, some said he is a good man while others say he deceives people.
JESUS TEACHES AT THE FEASTS (vs. 14-24)
Jesus began to teach and the Jews were amazed with his knowledge. People were divided concerning him. Some were for him because of his miracles. Others opposed him because he broke the Sabbath laws. Some remain silent waiting for the authorities to take action.
IS JESUS THE CHIRST? (vs. 25-44)
During the Feast of Tabernacles, they observed the ritual of pouring out water in the temple. It was a reminder that God gave Israel water in the wilderness. Jesus said in a loud voice: “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 with him” (vs. 37-38). Water for drinking signifies the Holy Spirit, who is given to those who trust in Him. The world can only quench its thirst by coming to Christ.
UNBELIEF OF THE JEWISH LEADERS (vs. 45-52)
The temple guards were amazed on the way Jesus spoke. Nicodemus also questioned the Jewish leaders condemning someone without first hearing him. But the chief priest and Pharisees insisted that there is no prophet that comes out of Galilee” (v. 52)
LIFE APPLICATION:
- Jesus lived according to God’s schedule for his life. As children of God, we ought to follow the timetable that our Lord has set for us.
- The opinion of people regarding Jesus were divided. Some said he is good while others said he is a deceiver. Some people healed on the Sabbath day were grateful while others accused Jesus of working on the Sabbath. Some believe Jesus is the Son of God but some questioned that Christ must not come from Galilee. How about you? Who is Jesus to you?
- Jesus invited people to come to him and drink his living water. Water for cleaning symbolizes the Word of God. Water for drinking represents the Spirit of God. Will you accept his invitation?
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