Come to Me…

(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)

John 7:37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!

Throughout the week we’ve been looking at a number of events which ultimately connect to Jesus’ triumphal entry in Matthew 21. So far we’ve seen God as the source of “living water” for His people as well as a major celebration for God providing a harvest for His people. 

This Festival of Booths may have had up to a million or more people crowed into the streets. This has led some scholars to ponder, When, exactly, did Jesus shout to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me!”

While we don’t know for certain, there is only one time during this event in which the crowd was silent. A priest would have filled up an empty pitcher with water while the people shouted prayers and praises to God. Right before pouring out the pitcher, the crowd would be completely silent. Jesus likely broke that silence in a very powerful way. He acknowledged Himself as the source of “living water.” 

READING & PRAYERS:

     PSALM 63:1, JEREMIAH 2:13, ISAIAH 32:1-2, ISAIAH 58:10-11, JOHN 7:37-52 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Take a moment to review the above passages from the Old Testament on “living water.” If you were in the crowds in John 7, how would you have responded to somebody shouting out, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me?”

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you doing too much?Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it’s difficult to consider how I may have responded if I was in the crowd when Jesus made this bold declaration. But my hope is that I would have seen Him for who He really is – Your Son, who provided the pathway for me to live in union with You. May I live today in such a way that others will continue to see Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and other qualities within me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)