John 7. Yesterday we reflected on Jesus’ proclamation “I am the Bread of Life” (6:35) and the nature of bread in our lives – an essential, staple food that nourishes and sustains us. However, did you know that the average human can go several weeks without food? That seems nearly impossible, doesn’t it? Have you ever tried fasting for a day or multiple days? Fasting is not a simple exercise but demands that we master our desire to eat.

While we can live without food, at least for a while, we can only live a few days without water. Dehydration will kill you quickly. Water is essential for survival.

In today’s text we discover one of the most beautiful invitations issued by Jesus – an invitation not simply to hear, but to come, to drink, and to overflow with life. In the middle of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stands and cries 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.”(7:37-39).

Jesus does not whisper or speak quietly; he stands up and cries out, his voice rising above the crowd, the ceremony, and the expectations of those gathered. He sees beyond their rituals to the deep thirst within each soul, a longing that cannot be quenched.

We all know what it means to be thirsty, yet Jesus is not merely speaking of physical thirst. He is pointing to something deeper – the spiritual thirst that every human experiences. It is the ache for meaning, for connection, for forgiveness, for hope, and for belonging. The world offers many things to satisfy out thirst – success, pleasure, comfort, possessions, relationships. Yet none of these truly satisfy.

Jesus asks only that we recognize our thirst and come to him. In this act of coming and drinking, faith is expressed. Notice it is a river of living water, not a pond. This is not a one-time sip; it is a continual coming, a daily dependence. The living water that Jesus promises is not stagnant. It is dynamic, renewing, and overflowing. He offers not just relief, but abundance – a perpetual spring from a relationship with Him. Also note that the living water does not simply satisfy the individual, but flows outward for the purpose of refreshing, healing, and blessing others.

John adds, “Now this he said about the Holy Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive.” (7:37) The living water is the Holy Spirit – God’s own presence dwelling within and among believers and bringing life. The scriptures are full of images of rivers – from the rivers in the Garden of Eden, to the river that flows through the eternal city in Revelation. In Isaiah the Lord promises “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land into springs of water (Isaiah 41:17-18). Wherever God’s Spirit goes there will be rivers of living water bringing life to barren areas.

Are you restless, afraid, or empty? Jesus’ call remains: “Come to me and drink.” Surrender your parched heart, trust in him, and let his Spirit fill you. And as you are filled, let the river of living water flow from you, bringing hope and healing to a thirsty world.