Jesus says: "Come to
Me and Drink"
Intro: We will see clearly, through
this next week, the three types of people Jesus meets and their different responses
to Him. It is really helpful to realise that we may meet with these same
responses and attitudes, as we share Jesus with others. Do not be deterred by
opposition or indifference – Jesus assures us here that, as we drink from Him,
believing Him, then rivers of living water will flow from us, as His
Holy Spirit fills us to overflowing.
And
HE brings words of eternal LIFE to ALL!
Day 1: John 6:60-71
Jesus once again is challenging those who call themselves His
followers (v30) to hear and understand His words by the Holy Spirit. His words
are "spirit and they are life". Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us
understand – not dry doctrine, but living truth - and to open our hearts to
believe Jesus. This is too difficult for many and they desert Jesus. How
wonderful Peter's words are in verses 68,69, as Jesus asks the twelve, His
special friends, whether they too want to leave Him. Can you speak this out
loud as a declaration of your faith in Jesus? Maybe you could write your answer
to this question, "Do you also want to leave Me?"– tell Jesus of your
love for Him, your faith in Him.
Day 2: John 7:1-24
The Feast of Tabernacles is still an important Jewish festival
today and many travel to Jerusalem Jerusalem
Day 3: John 7:25-36
Jesus declares about the Father:
"I KNOW HIM, because I am from Him
and He sent Me!"
Jesus is completely sure of His relationship
with His Father and His mission. This passage reveals all 3 types of responses
to the amazing claims Jesus makes to be the Son of God. 1) Some plain don't
understand, and again use their reason to say how could He be from God? They
know where He grew up. 2) Others hate Him, think they know it all, and, wanting
to kill Him, try unsuccessfully to arrest Him. Only in His Father's time, will
they be allowed to lay a hand on the Son of God. 3) Many, in verse 31, take the
risk of believing in Jesus. Take note of what Jesus says to the ones who refuse
to accept His words in verse 34. Remember He has already said "Come and
see" to his disciples. We will see in future readings how Jesus will
always show the way to those who believe in Him. It is an indictment indeed to
hear Him say "where I am, you cannot come"! Oh, let us be those who
are always opening our hearts to Jesus, and He, in close intimacy with Father,
will lead us into God's presence, and His love and will for our lives.
Only 3 verses to read today, but amazing and wonderful,
life-giving words! Soak in these words for yourself. During the Feast of
Tabernacles, the Jewish harvest thanksgiving, water was brought each day into
the temple, representing God's water of life, and now Jesus stands up on the
last most important day, and SHOUTS:
"If ANYONE is THIRSTY, come to
ME and drink …."
In John 4, at the well, He spoke of "living
water". Now we have not only a wellspring, BUT RIVERS! This is His promise
for us today - rivers of the Spirit, the nature and character of God Himself
flowing through us. Are you anyone? Are you thirsty? Do you sometimes feel dry
and dusty, or that your life is barren? Then come to Him and drink! Jesus will
teach more about the Holy Spirit as we read on in John.
Day 5: John 7:40-53 and 8:1-2
People are arguing again. He couldn't be Christ, as He comes
from Galilee . What they have not bothered to
find out is that He was born in Bethlehem
Day 6: John 8:3-11
"Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no
more!" What an amazing story! This woman, caught in all her shame, is
hauled before Jesus. I wonder what Jesus was doing as He wrote in the
dirt? Do you think He is waiting for His
Father's wisdom? When He does speak, the men just have to slink away. Only one
Man is left. Jesus! HE is the only righteous one without sin, the only one who
could justly have thrown a stone! But no, He looks at this woman with eyes of
love and mercy, and takes away her condemnation and guilt. He then tells her to
sin no more. Jesus transforms our lives when He takes our guilt and shame – and
He gives us the power to become the sons of God. Remember John 1:12? As well as
setting us free, He gives us the power to live His life!
Day 7: John 8:12-30
"I AM the Light of the World"! What a wonderful promise! Here is Jesus,
the "I AM", God Himself, the Light for everyone in the whole world!
However, it is those who follow Him who will walk in this light, instead of the
darkness - the light of LIFE – so totally, utterly the opposite from the
darkness and evil of the world. Try learning verse 12 right now! Jesus is
facing His opposers again. Can you imagine how hard it was for Him to see them
continue in their unbelief when He, the Light of the world was standing there,
knocking on the door of their hearts? He doesn't give up, and He knows His
Father is with Him. Many come and believe as they suddenly see!
Summary:
Even
as Jesus contested the unbelief and scorn of the religious leaders, He was
calling all to come to Him and drink, to come and experience His LIGHT
and LIFE, and the living waters of His Holy Spirit!
Jesus
knew He was never alone! His Father was with Him. This was His way through all
the opposition – His security in Father's love.
"I'm
not alone for my Father is with me, with me wherever I go,
Speaking
words of love, of courage and of faith,
He's with me, He loves me, wherever I
go!"
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