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The Foundationof Eternal Life

September 22, 2013 Speaker: Ken Ramey

Passage: John 7:37–53

Sunday Service
John 7:37-53
In this passage, John recorded Jesus' dramatic invitation on the last day of the Feast of Booths along with the mixed reaction of the crowd and the religious leaders.
1.  THE HEARTWARMING INVITATION (vv. 37-39)
For centuries, the Jews had been practicing the ritual of animal sacrifice prescribed by God. But this ritual was a foreshadowing of the death and resurrection of the coming Messiah. Jesus invited the Jews to find the satisfaction they were missing in Him since He came in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He assured them that the gospel is intended for everyone, but it is particularly available for those who are spiritually thirsty. It is those who believe in Him, that Jesus invited to come and 'drink'. When a person comes to Christ, not only are they blessed, but they become a blessing to others through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to not merely abide with believers, but to reside in believers.
2.  THE HEARTBREAKING DIVISION (vv. 40-53)
There was mixed reaction to Jesus' heartwarming invitation. This was the same mixed response that occurs to this day (Luke 12:51). Some were convinced that Jesus was the prophet foretold by Moses (Deut. 18, Acts 3) and others acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah. Still others did not believe that the Christ would come from Galilee, but instead would come from Bethlehem as a descendant of King David. The latter group of people did not fully understand Scriptural prophesy or its fulfillment, for this was indeed fulfilled through the birth and life of Jesus.
How is your life impacting others around you and in your community? Thank God for the living water Jesus has provided through the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you drink deeply so you can stand boldly for Christ and share Him with others who need to know Him so badly.