STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN- PART 42

                            January 28, 2007

 

Chapter 7, verses 25-31- the dialogue at Jerusalem (vs.10) at the Feast of Tabernacles continues—just after some (vs.20) challenged Jesus’ words that some are trying to kill Him, others in vs.25 assert the same thought.  They observe that Jesus speaks “boldly and they say nothing to Him”.  It shows that while the leaders in Jerusalem oppose Him, yet they are cautious as well.

They ask if the rulers know Jesus is the Christ?  They speculate that when the Messiah comes that no one will know where He is from.  These verses (25-27)

reveal the attitude of doubt that prevails among the people.

  In vs.28, Jesus contradicts their thoughts—“You both know Me and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent me is true, whom you do not know.”  These words rebuke their so-called ‘ignorance’ as little more than a cover for their rejection of Him.  He is revealing their attitude toward Him reflects their attitude toward “He who sent…” Him; that is, the Father.   Jesus then asserts “but I know Him, for I am from Him and He sent me.”  While they may be ignorant of the Father,

Jesus is not.

  Vs. 30 reveals the evil intent of these people, yet the restraining force of Divine providence to prevent their murderous designs.  In John’s gospel, “His hour” is the time of betrayal, arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion.   However, in the midst of this hostile dialogue, with murder simmering nearby, “many of the people believed in Him”.  The question about “more signs” may be construed to be either doubt (as in ‘why doesn’t Jesus do more..’) or confidence

(as in ‘this Man, Jesus, has done enough…’).

 

Chapter 7, verses 32-36- is another of John’s explanatory passages so the reader will know what is going on around Jesus.  Apparently, the Pharisees are increasing in fear of Jesus’ influence and dispatch “officers” of the Temple

to arrest Jesus.  Anticipating their effort, Jesus cryptically refers to His not being able to be found, although He is sought (vs.34).  This remark only confused the

Jews (people) more!  They think He is referring to hiding out among the dispersed Jews of the Roman empire.

 

Chapter 7, verses 37-39- in a dramatic fashion, Jesus publicly cries out

with an invitation sounding much like His remarks in ch.4 concerning ‘thirsty

and drinking’ of water.  His remarks are dramatized by events not listed in scripture, but that formed part of the Tabernacle Feast.  As it was an occasion for Israel to celebrate God’s provision for their needs when they journeyed from

Egypt to the promised land, there developed a practice of pouring out a vessel

of water at the Temple each day as expressive of God’s abundant provision during their journey as well as after they reached the land.  Thus, Jesus’ words

 

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about thirsting in vs.37 and flowing rivers of living water in vs. 38 take us back to Ex.17:1-7 or Numbers 20:2-13.  Both incidents record Israel’s need for water and God’s provision.  As God supplied Israel with water for their physical needs, so now Jesus (water) is the source for spiritual needs!  Jesus did this on the last day of the festival when crowds may have been at their maximum in number.

Once again, we have the use of “drink” to express the appropriation of faith.

“Come to Me” suggests Isaiah 55:1 while Isaiah 58:11 may be the basis of

“out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”.

   Others view Jesus’ words about living water as less retrospective and more

prospective of events at Pentecost in Acts 2.  In Acts 2:16 reference is made to

Joel concerning God’s ‘pouring’ out of His Spirit.  Verse 39 would assist in such a connection.  Note again how coming to Christ, drinking and believing on Him

are carefully related as was seen in John 4:14 and 6:35.

  Vs.39 has John, the writer as viewing Jesus’ words in vs.38 as anticipating

the arrival of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).  This verse used “glorified” for the first time in reference to the suffering & death of Jesus (12:23, 13:31, 14:13).

Jesus, as Water:

 Refreshes our lives  -Psalms 1:3, Isaiah 44:3

  Replenishes our strength- Psalms 63:1, Prov.18:4

    Nourishes our appetite- Psalms 42:1, Prov.11:25

      Cleanses our impurities –Psalms 19:12-13, Isaiah 4:4

        Restores our vitality – Psalms 23:1, 107:35