John 7:37-39: John tells us that it was “the last and greatest day of the feast” for a reason. The final day of Sukkot (the Feast of Booths) involved a climactic moment. For seven days a priest carried water in a golden pitcher from the Pool of Siloam up to the alter where the High Priest poured it out as a prayer for both rain and the outpouring out of the Holy Spirit to come on God’s people as God had promised. On this day—the last and greatest day—the water carrying and pouring was accompanied by priests blowing trumpets, Levites singing sacred songs and ordinary folk waving palm branches and chanting the Hallel (Psalms 113-118). This was a day filled with celebration and overflowing joy. And it was here—in the middle of all the water-pouring, trumpeting-blowing, branch-waving, psalm-singing crowds and in the presence of all divisions of the Priesthood who had gathered for this event—that Jesus shouted with a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink! Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John then adds that Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit! Take a minute and try to imagine this scene. Think about the people, the crowds, the ceremony, the sounds and the symbolism. Then imagine a moment when there is a pause between songs and in that brief interlude a solitary, clear, strong voice breaks in and declares, “If anyone is thirsty….” What was Jesus saying to the people? What is He saying to you?
John 8:12: The words, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” were also spoken within specific context. During Sukkot the temple held four menorahs, each containing four bowls (so 16 “candles” in total). These menorahs were recorded as being about 75 feet high and that only young, strong priests were given the task of filling the bowls and trimming the wicks. The Mishna states that these candles illumined every courtyard in Jerusalem. They symbolized how the Messiah will be a light to those walking in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). With this in mind, take a minute and try to imagine the scene. Every night for seven nights the city is illumined like at no other time. Darkness is pushed back as people walk the usually dark streets in amazement at the tremendous light flowing from the temple courts. Now, imagine walking by those candles on a day when you know the celebration is about to end and the light will be extinguished for another year. As you think about the familiar darkness that will soon envelope the night again, you hear a solitary, clear, strong voice declare, “I am the light of the world…” What was Jesus saying to the people? What is He saying to you?
Okay, so I’ve given way too much to think about. Maybe you can take one section each day for the next couple of days? From where I sit, it was just too good to pass by without comment.
Pondering with you along the way.
Rob
