Rivers of Living Water

Summary

• During Sukkot, the priests would draw water daily from the Pool of Siloam and pour it out on the temple altar to remind Israel of the water that God had miraculously provided in the wilderness.
• On the last day, Jesus used this tradition to claim that He was the source of true living water. He then invited all who were thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from those who believed in Him. This refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would be given to His followers.
• The passage also recounts the division among the people regarding Jesus’ identity—some recognised Him as the Messiah, while others doubted based on their limited knowledge of His origins.
• Nicodemus cautiously spoke to call for a fair judgement of Jesus, but the Pharisees dismissed him, continuing their rejection of Jesus.

Reflect

1. Jesus invites each of us to come to Him and drink (v 37). Are you spiritually thirsty? Do you desire for the Holy Spirit to work mightily in your life? What must you do or stop doing in order to drink from Christ?

2. As we drink from Jesus, He promises that rivers of Living Water (the Holy Spirit) will flow outwards from our hearts (v 38). Are you willing to be the vessel for God to use to bless others? (Luke 4:18-19)

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

In this video, Digital Theologian Michael Hoff teaches us how to interpret scriptures by considering whether the rivers of Living Water were flowing outwards from Jesus or through the believers. Regardless of either interpretation, the emphasis is on the Spirit’s transformative presence in believers and His outward impact on others (Acts 1:8).

Reflect

3. How can the Holy Spirit’s transformative power shape the way you live out your faith? (Galatians 5:16-18)

Closing Prayer

Ask God to fill you with the living water of His Spirit, empowering you to reflect His life-giving presence to others. Surrender your spiritual thirst to Jesus and seek Him for all your needs.