Will You Drink?

Much of the country has been locked in a prolonged heat wave, with the temperatures and humidity at times oppressive. Earlier this month, the Earth recorded its hottest day since records began. Just walking to the mailbox requires hydration. Oh, how those cold beverages quench my thirst. What does Jesus promise when we are thirsty?

Let’s turn to a story in the New Testament to answer that question. The Festival of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover and Pentecost being the other two) for which adult Jewish males were expected to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This festival was festive and celebrates the fall harvest. It has also come to commemorate the provision of God during the forty years of Jewish wilderness wandering after the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

The seventh chapter of John’s gospel begins with Jesus’ brothers inviting him to join them at the festival, in order to do mighty works and become more widely known. Jesus denies their request (7:1-9). He later goes in secret. While there, the text gives us two teachings by Jesus (vv.15-24, 37-39). These teachings are followed by debate among the people (vv.25-31, 40-44) and plots against Jesus (vv.32-36, 45-52).

If you are so inclined, click here to read the entire chapter.

Today, I want to dive into the second teaching – On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (37-39).

According to written Jewish tradition (Mishnah), water was an important part of Sukkot. A priest would draw water from the pool at Siloam and carry it back to the temple, pouring it out on the altar. Sukkot comes at the beginning of the rainy season. In ancient agrarian societies, people’s livelihood was dependent upon the rain needed for the fall harvest. 

So, here we have Jesus on the last day of the festival, announcing that those who believe in Him will gush forth with rivers of living water. The thirst-quenching drink offered by Jesus is one of permanence. While many modern translations use “heart” in v38, the Hebrew word is koila, which literally means “belly.” This belief in Jesus is not just something superficial, skin deep. Instead, it is visceral. And He promises that those who thirst from deep within, from their innermost being will flow rivers of life-giving living water.    

How thirsty are you today? Will you drink … and drink … and drink some more?

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