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If anyone
thirsts? Something to consider…
by
Dawn Schulz
On the last day of the feast, the great day,
Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever
believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers
of living water’” (John 7:37-38).
“The great day” was during the Feast of Tabernacles. During this festival the Israelites were required to live in tents for seven days in remembrance of 40 years wandering through the desert. On the last day they gathered as a sacred assembly to present an offering of fire to the Lord (Lev. 23:36). Over the years one particular ceremony had become tradition during this festival. Each day, at the time of the morning sacrifice, a priest led a procession to draw water out of the Pool of Siloam with a golden pitcher. After drawing the water he returned to a temple filled with worshipers. During his ascent to the altar they sang the words from Isaiah 12:3, “With joy you shall draw water from the wells of salvation.” Trumpets blasted as the priest spilled the water and drink offering onto the altar. This last and greatest day served to commemorate God’s miracle of water to the thirsty Israelites at Meribah (Exodus 17). [1]
It was at this point that Jesus stood and called, “If anyone thirsts, let him
come to me and drink.” In contrast to a ceremony reminding the
people of how God satisfied their greatest physical need, Jesus offered himself as satisfaction for their
greatest spiritual need. It
must have momentarily stopped the service as every head turned in unison to
find the source of this bold claim. John
records that there had been much controversy among the Jews at the festival as
to who Jesus was (John 7:12-31). Now, at
the climax of the celebration, Jesus answered their questions by standing to say,
in no uncertain terms, that he was the Christ whose sacrifice
would fully atone for sin. Jesus ended
all discussion with this announcement. For
those at the sacred assembly the only thing left to consider was if what Jesus said was meant for them.
The question remains for consideration
still today. “If anyone thirsts…” For some, this question is a challenge and the
answer is “No”. They are too busy
running children to activities, caring for elderly parents or pursuing
professional goals to even take notice of their condition. Others live a comfortable lifestyle enjoying
the pleasures that come with it and don’t see a need for what Jesus has to
offer. Some might recognize the need,
but feel they are quite capable of taking care of it on their own. There are also those gathered in the “sacred
assembly” who come, but don’t drink.
They continue to thirst because they sip on fellowship, meetings and
programs, but don’t let Jesus fill
them.
The unfortunate truth is that all of them are thirsty. Like the golden pitcher they find themselves empty day after day. Repeatedly poured out into distractions, laziness and pride they return to things that do not satisfy their thirst. Jesus’ offer is meant for them because only he can satisfy. But they don’t see it or want it. Sadly, their unquenched thirst will lead to death.
The unfortunate truth is that all of them are thirsty. Like the golden pitcher they find themselves empty day after day. Repeatedly poured out into distractions, laziness and pride they return to things that do not satisfy their thirst. Jesus’ offer is meant for them because only he can satisfy. But they don’t see it or want it. Sadly, their unquenched thirst will lead to death.
But for those who are aware of their thirst,
the words of Jesus are an invitation. Too
long they have wandered in the desert of guilt and shame. They are sorry for choices that left Jesus
out of their life and long for forgiveness.
They know they’ve wasted his gifts and blessings on selfish living. They crave peace knowing their attempts to earn God’s favor in the past have failed.
To them this invitation to “come and
drink” is a gift that gives pardon for sins, peace with God, and life eternal. They drink deeply knowing that “streams of living water will flow from within them.” To the thirsty, Jesus’ offer of
himself is a gift received in humble thanks by those knowing they would be
spiritually dead without it.
Jesus' disturbance at the Feast of
Tabernacles was intentional. He wanted
everyone would to know exactly who he
was. The way he addressed the crowd was
also intentional. He wanted everyone to
know why he came. We have this account written in the Bible so
that we intentionally consider our need.
“If anyone thirsts…” He came for
those who recognize their helpless condition so he can simply invite them “to
come to him and drink.” In Jesus, God has provided for our greatest
spiritual need.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, you’ve told me in your word that only Jesus quenches thirst. So
many things offer to do that, but
they fail. Forgive me for pursuing
them. I am thirsty. I thirst for the forgiveness and grace that
is only possible through Jesus. Thank
you for his sacrifice and the life that it has given me. Continue to nourish my soul by the Holy
Spirit through word and sacrament. In
the name of Jesus. Amen.
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