Jesus, the River of Life

Background Scripture: John 7
Lesson Scripture: John 7:37-40; Numbers 20:8; Psalm 78:16

Introduction

Christ’s invitation to the thirsty is just as valid today as it was that day when He stood and cried in the temple, “Come to me and drink!” He offers help and hope to the lost sinner who has never known salvation and to the weary Christian who is searching for a more vibrant and victorious life. In this lesson, let us consider how Jesus, as the River of Life, can satisfy the unnamed or even unrecognized longing lodged within every human heart.

Key Verse

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The setting was Jerusalem on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was an annual event, celebrated by the Jews to commemorate the pilgrimage from Egypt to the promised land. It took place in the fall and was also a time of giving thanks for God’s provision and for the completed harvest. During this feast, tithes were to be brought to the temple.

Jesus went up in secret to the feast and began to preach in the temple. The Jews were amazed at Jesus’s preaching, and there was much talk around town regarding this unusual Man. Some were convinced He was the Christ. Others doubted because they knew his background and were sure that the Christ would not come from such an ordinary setting. No doubt many listeners felt condemned and guilty as they listened. The religious rulers became very uncomfortable and disturbed. Deep in their hearts, they surely knew truth was being spoken.

Then came the last day of the feast. Jesus sensed it was time for the invitation. In the large crowd, there were some honest seekers, some detractors seeking to destroy Him, and probably some idly curious. In each heart, however, was a thirst, a desire for something more, a longing for answers to age-old questions: What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose here? Why does nothing seem to satisfy me? Jesus perceived their thirst, and his heart was moved. He longed to help them find the truth, reconcile with their Maker, and fill the emptiness of their hearts. He no longer sat while He spoke. Instead, He stood up, and in a loud voice, invited the people to come to Him and receive the water that would quench their thirst.

The living water that Jesus spoke of was in reference to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a gift which would be received by those who believed. This gift was yet to be given, a miracle which would signify the beginning of the gospel era. This living water would be freely available for all mankind. The apostle John later wrote, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). Although they did not fully comprehend, the people were touched, and many people declared that He was the Christ. Little did they know what a momentous day it was; that day the greatest invitation of all time was given!

Practical Truths for Today

The universal burden weighing down upon the hearts of mankind is the condemnation of sin. This burden causes restlessness and calls for release. The world presents countless options to distract the mind while supposedly granting fulfillment. Sampling these offerings inevitably leads to further stains of filth on the soul. Thus, part of the human longing is the desire to be cleansed from the dirty and ugly stains of sin.

God the Creator has an offer that He extends to a soiled and thirsty humanity. Isaiah’s prophecy prefaced the gospel invitation: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters” (Isa. 55:1). In another chapter, he says, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). What a beautiful promise! Through a simple repentance and confession of sin, the soul can be forgiven, and the heart can be cleansed. This is the miracle that happens at the river of life. The sinner saved by grace will need to return at times to this river to again be cleansed. To remain successful, it will be necessary to be well-acquainted with the path that leads to the river.

For the soul who has forsaken the old ways and thoughts and has been forgiven and cleansed, a new way of living begins. The seed that has been planted needs to grow, flourish, and bring forth fruit. Another familiar passage explains the secret to success through the analogy of a tree beside a river: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Ps.1:1-3). A sinner, now saved by grace, does not walk in the former way or listen to the advice of the world. He does not go where he used to go and no longer drinks the sludge and poison that the world falsely markets as tasty and satisfying. Instead, he chooses to live on the banks of the stream of goodness and grace, sets his roots down, and determines that “just like a tree that’s planted by the waters, I shall not be moved.” 1 These waters are pure and wholesome and nourish his soul. His life begins to bring forth the kind of fruit that Jesus referred to when He declared, “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). The one who has been a recipient of the healing stream now becomes a conduit through which living water flows. Through this human channel, the Holy Spirit can work wonders, and many hearts are blessed by receiving a taste of the living water for themselves. As the faithful servant experiences the rewards of being a vessel, he is in turn further enriched, and his faith is increased in the power of the living water. This is the blessing of living by the river.

As we consider the fruit that is produced by the life of the faithful, let us not underestimate the little deeds. Jesus said giving someone a cup of cold water is a worthy task. Often, a few simple words are all it takes to bring comfort to a hurting heart. A hand on the shoulder, a smile, a handshake, a thank-you, or an “I’m sorry” are not wasted efforts, even if there is nothing given in return. As we have freely received, we need to freely give. We must never forget that the water of life is for everyone. “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). With this in mind, we can confidently approach the throne of grace whenever we become thirsty. If you are sad, discouraged, or sick of scrolling through the world’s media and ingesting its unending diet of useless information, pick up your Bible and ask Jesus to again give you some of his living water. He might ask you to share your struggles with a friend. That brother or sister’s advice and counsel might be the conduit He has prepared to revive your thirsty soul.

Another river is yet awaiting us in heaven. It flows from the throne of God and of Jesus the Lamb. It is a pure river, clear as crystal. On the banks of that great river, the saved of all nations will be gathered together where there will be no more curse of sin and no more tears. There the healing will finally be complete.

Questions

1. What might be happening in a person’s life if there is no longer a thirst for the living water?
2. Psalm 1:3 says, “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Discuss.
3. What kind of result is achieved when we try to mix the living water with the tainted water of the world?
4. 1 Edward H. Boatner, “I Shall Not Be Moved,” Songs of Faith and Praise

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).