God’s Renewing Word of Wisdom
Introduction
John 7:25-39: Jesus continues to speak openly in the Temple; and while some question whether or not he is the Messiah, many come to believe in him. Some of the religious leaders seek to have him arrested.
Scripture Reading
Is He the Messiah?
25 Some of the people of Jerusalem said, “Isn’t this the man the authorities are trying to kill? 26 Look! He is talking in public, and they say nothing against him! Can it be that they really know that he is the Messiah? 27 But when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from. And we all know where this man comes from.”
28 As Jesus taught in the Temple, he said in a loud voice, “Do you really know me and know where I am from? I have not come on my own authority. He who sent me, however, is truthful. You do not know him, 29 but I know him, because I come from him and he sent me.”
30 Then they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. 31 But many in the crowd believed in him and said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more miracles than this man has?”
Guards Are Sent to Arrest Jesus
32 The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus, so they and the chief priests sent some guards to arrest him. 33 Jesus said, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I shall go away to him who sent me. 34 You will look for me, but you will not find me, because you cannot go where I will be.”
35 The Jewish authorities said among themselves, “Where is he about to go so that we shall not find him? Will he go to the Greek cities where our people live, and teach the Greeks? 36 He says that we will look for him but will not find him, and that we cannot go where he will be. What does he mean?”
Streams of Life-Giving Water
37 On the last and most important day of the festival Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, “Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and 38 whoever believes in me should drink. As the scripture says, ‘Streams of life-giving water will pour out from his side.’” 39 Jesus said this about the Spirit, which those who believed in him were going to receive. At that time the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not been raised to glory.
Today’s Key Verse: John 7:37b, 38a
Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, “Whoever is thirsty should come to me, and whoever believes in me should drink.”
Reflect
What do some of the people say about Jesus (verses 25-27)? How does Jesus respond to those who are questioning whether or not he is the Messiah (verses 28, 29)? What does Jesus say on the last and most important day of the festival (verses 37, 38)? According to verse 39, what was the implication of his words?
Pray
Holy Jesus, you are the Messiah. Yes, Lord, I believe in you and thirst for your word and the life-giving water you offer. Draw me close to you and, empowered by your Spirit, teach me to do your will. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 7:40-52: Division arises among the people listening to Jesus.