John 7:37-44

 John 7 37 - 44

“Come to Jesus and drink” is a short summation of verses 37 and 38. Like so many of Jesus's statements it is grander and bigger than it first appears. John gives us the context, it is the last and greatest day of the feast. The week-long celebration of Tabernacles was the most joyous of all Jewish feasts. It was sort of a combination of Thanksgiving with a week of feasting, summer vacation, a week-long camping trip and great celebrative and commemorative ceremonies. 

This ceremony was in celebrating God's provision during the Exodus by giving water to Israel. At the feast there was also prayer for rain for the coming crops.  In an agricultural society this was about future provision, life itself.  On the last day there was the culmination of the week with a grand parade. Throngs in procession marched from the spring to the altar.  On the way they were chanting scriptures and waving branches.  Once they arrived at the altar the High Priest would pour out the sacrificial water.  It was the highest high point of worship in the most joyful feast of the year.  Imagine that great moment when the last drop of water pours out.  In the silence before the cheers erupt from the people Jesus says: “If any man is thirsty let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, from his innermost being shall flow rivers of Living Water.”

There is no metaphor, no comparison that can adequately explain that statement. In a festival in which the worshipers are thanking God for His miraculous care by providing water in the desert Jesus says, “I’ll do you one better come to Me personally. I am the one who gives the water that will fill you to overflowing.”

Such a man was their stark raving mad, the most aggressive deceiver in history or He was the water of life.  

“Lord, fill me with Your Spirt till I am completely full and overflowing with You. AMEN”