“But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” 12 And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the contrary, He deceives the people.” 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. 14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?””
John 7:10-15 NKJV
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Who Is He? 40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.”
John 7:37-43 NKJV
Father God,
Jesus let his brothers go to the festival first because he wanted to stay in the background so he could just do what he planned without getting too noticed or arrested. The adverts for children drinking polluted water are dreadful and today we even prefer bottled water to tap! Whichever we drink we all need the water – we are 60% of what we are made of and we dehydrate!. Jesus knows that refreshing can be drinking, can be washing but is also a human heart need. At the middle of the feast Jesus began to speak and teach.
On the last day when everyone was gathered to give thanks to You, God, for providing daily manna (bread) and water in the wilderness, and for being in their midst, Jesus illustrated who He was. Earlier He had stated to be the bread of heaven (John 6:51), now He adds that He is the Water of Life and in the midst of them! More than a tabernacle, the Word made flesh. You God dwelling among them.
Historically, on that day, Your priests would take water from the pool of Siloam, circle the altar seven times and pour the precious water out on the Temple steps. Reciting Psalm 118:25, “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!” Praying for the Messiah, a king and warrior, to arise and set them free.
They did not recognise the humble King, who would pour out His life as freely as the water to conquer death and sin and set us free. We do Father. And You now dwell in us pouring forth all we need every minute of everyday keeping us refreshed, cleansed and alive in Christ. Hallelujah.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 31st October 2026
Based on John 7:37-38 in 1983. But I still love it. I love the chorus worshipping equally Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Let Your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control
Of every situation that has troubled my mind
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Sing to the Father
Father, Father, Father
Holy Spirit
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit
Come now Holy Spirit and take control
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side
Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole
As you give your life to Him, He’ll set you free
You will live and reign with Him eternally
Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy spirit come and take control
Of every situation that has troubled my mind
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll
Lyrics and tune: John Watson
John Watson wrote the song during a personal period of struggle while picking up a piano accordion, later noting it as the defining song that marked the birth and inspiration behind the Vinesong worship team.