In today’s Gospel – John 7:37-39 – we find Jesus in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Tabernacles. On this feast in autumn, the people to this day build temporary shelters to remind themselves of the time in the wilderness. One commentator writes concerning Jesus’ celebration of this feast: “For the first seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests would carry water from the Pool of Siloam in procession to the temple and pour it out as a libation—a sacrificial offering—and a symbolic prayer for rain. On the eighth day, the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus uses this liturgical use of water to talk about the spiritual life that he gives” (Francis Martin and William M Wright IV, The Gospel of John.
When Jesus, “cries out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me,’” he is repeating what he has said in the earlier conversation with the woman at the well: “‘Those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life’” (John 4:14). Jesus is echoing the prophecy of Isaiah: “Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (55:1). He is placing himself at the very heart of the Exodus Event and the Covenant forged in the wilderness. What was begun by God in liberating the people from Egypt and leading them through the desert, is being brought to completion in him.
Like the Exodus Event and the Covenant, it is God’s initiative, a totally unmerited gift. This “living water” cannot be earned. It is a gracious and abundant outpouring of God’s love. It suggests hospitality with no questions asked. It promises delight and fulfilment beyond what we can think or imagine. And it is summed up in the word, “Come!” Maybe this is God’s favourite word?
To think of meriting or earning the love of God is offensive really. If we find ourselves thinking in terms of earning or meriting God’s love, we ought to think a little more deeply about that word, “Come!”
“Come” is a word that, even in our ordinary usage, can intimate affirmation and care. It can be pleasing to hear someone say that word to us. But, when we hear it spoken by God, it has a magnificence about it. It can take us by surprise – “Is God really speaking to me?” When we hear God speak the word “Come!”, it changes everything.
The question then, is not, “Does God speak the word, ‘Come!’ to me personally?” but “Am I listening?” We can safely assume that God does speak that word to each of us. Nothing could be more life-changing for us than hearing God say to us, “Come!”
Journal and reflect on the following
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me”?
How does “living water” describe the kind of life Jesus offers us?
Why do you think the people still celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles by building shelters?
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is given like water—freely and abundantly?
Have you ever felt spiritually “thirsty”? What helped you feel renewed?
When God says, “Come,” how do you respond? Are you really listening?
How does Jesus connect the past (like the Exodus) with the present and future in this moment?
Discuss
Song - Come as you are
Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, You stood and cried out to all who thirst, offering the living water that flows from Your heart of mercy and love. We come to You now, dry and longing, knowing that only You can satisfy the deepest thirst of our souls. Pour out Your Spirit upon us like a rushing stream—revive our hearts, renew our faith, and help us to listen when You whisper, “Come.” May we never forget that Your invitation is free, abundant, and full of grace. Let Your living water rise within us, becoming a spring that overflows into love, joy, and hope for the world. Amen.
(Audio Available)
