John 7: Living Water
Understanding Jesus' Mission and the Promise of the Spirit
John Chapter 7
The Feast of Tabernacles
After this, Jesus moved about within Galilee; but he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him.
But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near.
So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples also may see the works you are doing.
No one works in secret if he wants to be known publicly. If you do these things, manifest yourself to the world.”
For his brothers did not believe in him.
So Jesus said to them, “My time is not yet here, but the time is always right for you.
The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I testify to it that its works are evil.
You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, because my time has not yet been fulfilled.”
After he had said this, he stayed on in Galilee.
But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but [as it were] in secret.
The Jews were looking for him at the feast and saying, “Where is he?”
And there was considerable murmuring about him in the crowds. Some said, “He is a good man,” [while] others said, “No; on the contrary, he misleads the crowd.”
Still, no one spoke openly about him because they were afraid of the Jews.
The First Dialogue
When the feast was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple area and began to teach.
The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know scripture without having studied?”
Jesus answered them and said, “My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me.
Whoever chooses to do his will shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own.
Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful, and there is no wrong in him.
Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”
The crowd answered, “You are possessed! Who is trying to kill you?”
Jesus answered and said to them, “I performed one work and all of you are amazed
because of it. Moses gave you circumcision—not that it came from Moses but rather from the patriarchs—and you circumcise a man on the sabbath.
If a man can receive circumcision on a sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because I made a whole person well on the sabbath?
Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly.”
The Second Dialogue
So some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill?
And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Messiah?
But we know where he is from. When the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.”
So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true.
I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.”
So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.
But many of the crowd began to believe in him, and said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man has done?”
The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring about him to this effect, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent guards to arrest him.
So Jesus said, “I will be with you only a little while longer, and then I will go to the one who sent me.
You will look for me but not find [me], and where I am you cannot come.”
So the Jews said to one another, “Where is he going that we will not find him? Surely he is not going to the dispersion among the Greeks to teach the Greeks, is he?
What is the meaning of his saying, ‘You will look for me and not find [me], and where I am you cannot come’?”
Rivers of Living Water
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him.’”
He said this in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was, of course, no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Discussion about the Origins of the Messiah
Some in the crowd who heard these words said, “This is truly the Prophet.”
Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But others said, “The Messiah will not come from Galilee, will he?
Does not scripture say that the Messiah will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”
So a division occurred in the crowd because of him.
Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.
Unbelief of the Jewish Authorities
So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?”
The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this one.”
So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived?
Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?
But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.”
Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them,
“Does our law condemn a person before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?”
They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”
Feast of Tabernacles
John Chapter 7 opens with a scene that highlights a common misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. His brothers urge him to reveal himself publicly at the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival. They believe that public displays of his works would gain him followers, not grasping the true nature of his mission. Jesus, aware of the growing hostility against him, chooses to attend the feast secretly, demonstrating his commitment to God's timing rather than human expectations. This decision underscores the importance of discernment and patience in following God's plan.
Teaching in the Temple
During the feast, Jesus begins teaching in the temple, astonishing the crowd with his profound wisdom. His teachings challenge the religious leaders, as he claims that his knowledge comes directly from God. This assertion invites listeners to discern the truth by being open to doing God's will. Jesus emphasizes that understanding his message requires a willingness to align one's life with divine purposes, highlighting the connection between faith and discernment.
Rivers of Living Water
A pivotal moment in this chapter is Jesus' proclamation about "rivers of living water," which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. He promises spiritual renewal and life to those who believe in him, emphasizing the transformative power of faith. This invitation to receive the living water of the Spirit highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, offering guidance, renewal, and a deeper connection with God.
Division and Unbelief
The chapter also addresses the division among the people and the religious authorities' refusal to believe in Jesus. Despite witnessing his teachings and miracles, many remain skeptical, illustrating the challenges of faith in the face of doubt and opposition. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, defends Jesus, advocating for justice and openness to truth. His actions remind us of the importance of courage in faith and the need to seek truth, even when it is unpopular or misunderstood.
Catechism References for John Chapter 7
While John 7 is not as directly referenced in the Catechism as other chapters, its themes resonate with several key teachings:
CCC 728 discusses the promise of the Holy Spirit, central to Jesus' message of living water.
CCC 2560-2561 reflects on the human thirst for God and the invitation to come to Jesus, who offers the living water of the Spirit.
Applying John Chapter 7 to Daily Life
Discernment and Timing
Like Jesus, we are called to discern God's timing and will in our lives. This requires patience and trust, especially when others pressure us to act according to worldly expectations. By aligning our actions with God's plan, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace.
Openness to the Spirit
Embracing the Holy Spirit as a source of life and renewal is essential for spiritual growth. Through prayer and reflection, we can invite the Spirit to guide our hearts and actions, allowing its transformative power to shape our lives.
Courage in Faith
Standing firm in our beliefs, even amid opposition or misunderstanding, is a testament to our faith. Like Nicodemus, we should seek justice and truth, speaking up for what is right and just, regardless of the consequences.
Unity and Understanding
Working towards unity and understanding within our communities is crucial, as division often arises from fear or misunderstanding. By fostering dialogue and empathy, we can build bridges and promote harmony, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.