Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
What traditions do you hold close to your family?
Read John 7:1-36. What is going on in this passage? What phrases or key words stuck out to you? Do you feel any tension in this passage?
The feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of booths is what going on in this passage. The two aspects of the feast are water and light. The Feast of Tabernacles was the most joyous and longest festival of all the holidays. It lasted for 8 days. They celebrated the last of the year’s harvest and it was a time to remember God faithfully provided for His people while they were in the wilderness. The festival had three major events: Participate in a procession of palms, observe as the priests daily poured water from the fountain of Siloam onto the altar, and illuminating four large menorahs each night in the temple courts. After a sacrifice, the next thing that would be in the morning was the pouring of water upon the altar. The last thing would be a torch dance that lasted until dawn. Water and Light.
The people wanted to seize Jesus. Continue to read John 7:37-44. What does Jesus say about himself in these passages? What were the reactions to the statements by the crowds? Jesus also made this comment in John 4 with the Samaritan woman.
Isaiah 55:1. “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy, and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
The priest knew what the old testament said and understood the symbolism fo the water.
The priests and the people found joy in this celebration because they believed it was what brought their salvation. They didn’t see that in their midst was their true salvation of Jesus. If they would drink from Jesus they would not be thirsty again. The living water that Jesus spoke of was salvation. The fullness of life. A gift that was free to each of us but it cost Jesus His life.
We are thirsty every day. People go to the well day after day and it won’t last. They are thirsty all the time. We need water every single day. What wells does our culture draw from every day? What wells are you drawing from on a daily basis to satisfy your thirst? Work, hobbies, recognition, friends, family, or education. Yet, none of these bring satisfaction to our thirst. Only Jesus can bring satisfaction to our thirst. Jesus is all we need and is enough.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your light and water in our lives. I thank you that Jesus meets all our needs and satisfy our thirst. I pray that we will find the joy of digging up the water from Jesus every day of our lives.
In Jesus Name
Amen
