Jesus is the source of living water
John 7:37-52
It’s the last day of the Feast of Tabernacle. It’s early morning, the sacrifices are being prepared, and the priest leads a procession to the pool of Siloam where a pitcher of water is obtained, The temple choir is singing Psalms 113 and 114 and the water is poured into a basin which drains out at the base of the altar, all the while the congregation, at the appropriate time, is waving palm branches and singing “Hosanna”- God saves. Suddenly, Jesus cries out from the congregation “if anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me … out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
The symbolism of the water is that it represented the Holy Spirit (Isa 12:3) and the pouring at the base of the altar is a picture of Moses in the wilderness, striking the rock to get water (Exo 17:6). Jesus was claiming that the water which flowed from the temple would now flow from him, the new temple. The source of life is found only in him. Moses supplied bread; Jesus is the bread of life. Moses gave water, Jesus is the living water. The prophet Joel had predicted the Holy Spirit was going to come upon all the believers in Christ, baptizing them, sealing them, and indwelling them.
Upon hearing this, there a great division among the people based upon their ignorance of the scripture or refusal to believe it, the same as today. The leaders showed their arrogance and prejudice, the same as many do today.
The question is, “who is this Jesus? Is he a deceiver or the promised Messiah?” Your decision will determine your eternal destiny.
The gospel of John has been presenting Jesus as the Son of God. “Word became flesh”, “behold the Lamb of God”, “as Moses lifted up the serpent … believe in me”, “my Father has sent me”, “I give you living water”, “I do the works of my Father”, “the scripture testify of me” “the one who believes in will have eternal life”
Again, “who is Jesus?” Heed the admonition of v17 and with repentance, accept Christ as your Savior.