John Chapter 7
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John 7: Rivers of Living WaterThe Brothers’ Unbelief“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him” (John 7:1, ESV). The Feast of Tabernacles approaches. His brothers urge, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing... Show yourself to the world” (John 7:3-4). They do not believe in Him. Jesus replies, “My time has not yet come... You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come” (John 7:6-8). After they leave, He goes up privately.The Crowd’s DivisionMidway through the feast, Jesus teaches in the temple. The Jews marvel, “How is this man educated, having never studied?” (John 7:15). Jesus answers, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority” (John 7:16-17).Some say, “This is the Christ” (John 7:41). Others object, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem?” (John 7:41-42). Division spreads. Some try to arrest Him, but no one lays hands on Him.The Last Day“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”’” (John 7:37-38). The priest poured water daily during Tabernacles, recalling the wilderness rock. Jesus claims to be the true source. John explains: “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” (John 7:39).The People’s DebateSome declare, “This is really the Prophet.” Others, “This is the Christ.” Still others, “Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?” (John 7:40-41). Officers sent to arrest Him return empty-handed, saying, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46). The Pharisees retort, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed” (John 7:47-49).Nicodemus, who once came by night, speaks: “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” (John 7:51). They mock, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee” (John 7:52). The chapter ends unresolved; Jesus’ hour remains unfulfilled.