Go! And Drink from the Living Water - John 7:37-39
Introduction:
In John 7:37-39, Jesus makes a bold declaration:
"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, 'Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ (When he said ‘living water,’ he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)" (John 7:37-39, NLT)
This passage is a powerful call to action, a divine invitation for all who are thirsty. It is not a physical thirst that Jesus speaks of, but a deep spiritual longing—a need only He can satisfy. Today, let’s explore the significance of this statement and how it applies to our lives.
1. The Call to the Thirsty
Jesus speaks to those who recognise their need. In biblical times, thirst symbolised desperation and dependence. Water was not easily accessible in the dry Middle Eastern climate, so when Jesus used the imagery of water, it was deeply significant.
Psalm 42:1-2“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?”
The Hebrew word for "thirst" here is tsamach, meaning an intense craving or yearning. It reflects our deep inner longing for God’s presence.
Just as the body cannot survive without water, our souls cannot thrive without God.
Matthew 5:6“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.”
The Greek word for "thirst" in this verse, dipsao, conveys not just a passing need but an intense craving. Jesus promises satisfaction for those who seek righteousness.
Are you spiritually thirsty? Do you long for more of God in your life? Recognising our thirst is the first step toward receiving the living water only Jesus provides.
Imagine being stranded in a desert with no water. You would do anything for a drink. In the same way, when we are spiritually dry, only Jesus can quench our thirst.
A.W. Tozer said, “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love.”
2. The Source of Living Water
Jesus is the source of the living water He offers. He does not point us to an external supply—He invites us to come directly to Him.
Jeremiah 2:13“For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me—the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”
The Hebrew word for "fountain" (maqor) signifies a continuous source, unlike a stagnant cistern.
Many people seek satisfaction in temporary things—money, success, relationships—but only Jesus provides eternal fulfillment.
Revelation 22:17“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.”
This verse echoes Jesus' invitation, showing that His offer of living water extends to all who will receive it.
Stop looking to broken cisterns—things that will never satisfy. Come to Jesus, the true source of life.
A child with a broken cup keeps trying to drink, but the water leaks out. Many live this way spiritually, seeking fulfillment in things that cannot hold true life.
Charles Spurgeon said, “You say, ‘I am thirsty.’ Bring your empty pitcher! He is the well. He will fill it.”
3. The Flow of the Holy Spirit
When we receive Christ, we not only drink from the living water—we become a channel through which it flows to others.
Acts 1:8“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us to share Christ with others.
The Greek word for "power" (dynamis) indicates miraculous ability—God working through us.
Galatians 5:22-23“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
The evidence of the Spirit’s presence is not just in miraculous works but in transformed character.
Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through you? Are others encountering Jesus through your life?
A river that flows brings life wherever it goes. When we let the Holy Spirit work in us, we become life-giving to those around us.
Francis Chan said, “The Holy Spirit is as essential as air. We don’t just need Him—we can’t live without Him.”
Conclusion:
Jesus’ invitation is clear: come to Him, drink deeply, and let the living water flow through you.
Call to Action:
Go! And thirst no more. Seek Jesus as your source.
Go! And drink deeply. Let His Spirit fill and satisfy you.
Go! And let the water flow. Share the love, joy, and power of God with others.
Invitation to Faith:
If you have never come to Jesus, today is your opportunity. He invites you to receive the living water of eternal life. Will you come to Him today?
Let’s pray.
