The Promise Of Living Water Series

Sermon - The Promise of Living Water

Scripture Lesson: John 7: 37-39 “On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”39 (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.)”

Introduction: Our Study today takes us to John 7. Jesus leaves Galilee and journeys to Judea to attend the feast of tabernacles. The feast of tabernacles was the annual festival of the fruit, wine and oil harvest. It lasted eight days, during which the people dwelt in booths, to remind them of their wilderness wanderings. This annual Jewish harvest feast was one of great joy.

The brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted because they thought Jesus was hiding out in obscurity. They were expecting that his newly found popularity would give them some worldly advantages and status. The scriptures said, “they did not believe in him.” Men of God must be careful because often ungodly men will try to give us counsel that will hinder the work of God. Jesus was not trying to promote himself; he was not looking to gain any present advantages.

Jesus choose to go up to Jerusalem at his appointed time. Jesus was on the lips of nearly everyone and everyone was looking for him to show up. Jewish Law required every Jewish male to attend and bring an offering. At this year’s feast, the people were disputing about Christ. The opinions were all over the spectrum. Some were saying, he is a good man; Some were saying, he is Prophet; others were saying, he is the Messiah, while many were saying is demon possessed. The priest and the religious leaders were saying he is a threat that must be stopped. Yet, Jesus delivers a wonderful discourse at the feast and extends this great invitation.

By now, the brethren or kinsmen of Jesus were disgusted, when they found there was no prospect of worldly advantages from him. Ungodly men seem to always be looking for edge, some way to take advantage of the situation. The people had different opinions about his doctrine and miracles. There were those who favored him but were afraid to speak out publicly. Those who saw him as a deceiver boldly spoke out with criticism. Many refused to take a stand one way or the other.

On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, the eighth day was the grand finale! The Jews drew water from the pool of Siloam and poured it out before the Lord seven days. On the last day of the feast of tabernacles, The priest would dip the water and pour it out before the altar, and Jesus choose this moment to deliver a wonderful discourse about living water and extends this great invitation.

Christ gives a promise of living water. This is not entirely new; He made the same offer to the woman at the well in Samaria. If any man desires to be truly and forever happy, let him come to Christ, and believe on Him, submitting your life to him, and he will find all he is looking for. The only requirement is to be thirsty. This thirst means strong desires after spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy; so the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit was symbolized by the water. Jesus called on them to come to Him and drink. The comfort flows plentifully and constantly as a river; strong as a stream to bear down the opposition of doubts and fears. There is a fulness in Christ, of grace for grace. The Spirit dwelling and working in believers, is as a fountain of living, running water, out of which plentiful streams flow, cooling and cleansing as water. The miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit is more than we could ever desire. The Holy Spirit provides more satisfaction, more power and is more valuable than we could ever imagine. This living water flows from our glorified Redeemer, down to this age, and to the remote corners of the earth. May we be anxious to make this promise of living water known to others.

Jesus kept in the background till the fitting moment, and then he came boldly forward to deliver one of the freest and fullest gospel discourses upon record. On the final day of the holy convocation, when no servile work might be done, and consequently no water could be drawn, he freely proclaimed his salvation. His grace is free, it is effectual in its operation, and its results are abiding, elevating, purifying, and saving. Faith receives the grace of God, and the soul lives. Without money and without price the blessing of eternal life is bestowed. Let us bless that dear Redeemer who at this moment still cries aloud, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."