The most unique element of this passage is understanding the entire of John 7 is during the Feast of Booths, a 7-day celebration with two purposes: (1) remembering and celebrating God's rescue of the Israelites from Egypt, and (2) a crying out and prayer to God for continual rescue (i.e. to save them now).

It is during this festival that Chapter 7 explains the differing points of view of Jesus' siblings, the people, and the Jewish leaders.

One ritual during the Feast of Booths was the daily pouring out of water onto the altar, with the last day of the Feast being a final celebratory outpouring of their remaining water onto the altar. It is in this context, which Jesus stands up 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.’” (7:37-38)

With the Israelites crying out "Save us now, God!" is when Jesus stands up and says, "Believe and drink from me."

Therefore, some reflection questions for the week:

(1) Do you realize how spiritually thirsty you really are? This year has had more deaths due to heat exhaustion than any other year in the Untied States. Many of them do not realize how thirsty they are until it is too late. Please do not die of spiritual dehydration.

(2) What have you “thirsted for” before believing in Christ? How has Jesus quenched your thirst? What was missing, lacking, aching within you before you believed in Jesus? What is still missing or lacking within you even while believing in Jesus, that you have not yet sought out Jesus for the drink (the Holy Spirit) to help you with?

(3) How have you been able to provide the “living water,” which you received from Jesus, to others?