Water of Life

Now, the time of the yearly festival was at hand, a joyful celebration in the great city remembering how God provided for the people in the wilderness. Only this year, many had come to hear the words of this new teacher and the religious leaders were watching, waiting to challenge him. During the festival, he began teaching in their temple courts. The crowd marveled at his wisdom, asking, "How is this man wise when he has not attended our schools?" He explained that his teaching came from the one who sent him, God. Whispers about his identity spread through the crowd. On the final day, the climax of the festival, the great city was alive with celebration. Water was poured out at the temple in remembrance of God's provision in the wilderness and a prayer for rain in the year ahead. At that moment, the teacher stood and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink! Whoever believes in me, as the scripture says, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water." These words stirred the people. Some said, "Surely this is the prophet." Others said, "This is the messiah." But, the religious leaders were divided, unwilling to believe. Living water speaks of the spirit of God that would one day be poured out upon those who believe. This was not refreshment from thirst. It was the source of life that would never run dry.