Exclamation at the feast
Key Verses: 4, 18, 37-38
People have a hard time believing. Even Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe him, at least until after the resurrection. Sometimes belief can be hard because we are asked to believe something we can’t see. But these people got to see the miracles that Jesus was doing, and they still had a hard time believing. That is because believing has to do with who gets the honor. We see it every day in the news, politicians and entertainment people grabbing the spotlight. The millionaires give a few thousand dollars and all the cameras show up.
Jesus did not want to be in the spotlight. He did not want to attend the Feast as the center of attention. He just wants to do His Father’s work. And when He does this work, people want to kill Him, especially the religious leaders. When attention turns to Jesus, it turns away from them, and they can’t stand someone else getting the attention. Even the people know the leaders are trying to kill Jesus.
So Jesus goes to the Feast quietly, not wanting the spotlight. He arrives half way through the eight day celebration. He begins to speak and people are impressed with what He says, so much so that the religious leaders want Him killed, eliminated. On the last day Jesus takes center stage. He wraps Himself in the ritual of that last day. Water is central to this last day’s activities, and He says that He is able to provide unlimited water, water that will flow from within each of us who believe. Jesus uses everyday things to teach spiritual, eternal lessons. John tells us that this water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit who will flow from us as believers.
This exclamation at the Feast brings Jesus’ life and ministry into focus. People become divided over Him. Some like Him and some don’t, but everyone has an opinion about Him. You can’t stay neutral. You have to believe or not believe.
REVIEW: Acrostic Theme & each chapter’s phrase.
The Arnold Journey 