John 7 - NLT Student Life Application Study Bible

7:1-10 To Go or Not to Go The Festival of Shelters (described in Leviticus 23:33-43) occurred in October, about six months after the Passover celebration mentioned in John 6:4. During Jesus’ ministry, Jesus’ brothers were embarrassed by him. After he died and rose again, however, they finally came to believe in him, and some of them ended up becoming leaders in the church. Jesus may have delayed going to Judea for the festival because he was waiting on guidance from his Father, and he may have been acting secretly to keep his brothers and followers safe.

7:37-39 Living Water Jesus had used the expression living water when he’d spoken with the woman at the well to indicate eternal life (4:10). Here he used the term to refer to the Holy Spirit. The two go together: Wherever the Holy Spirit is accepted, he brings eternal life (6:63). Jesus teaches more about the Holy Spirit in John 14–16. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus’ followers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21) and has since been available to all who believe in Jesus as Savior.

7:50-52 Secret Follower This passage offers additional insight into Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had previously visited Jesus at night (3:1-21). Apparently, Nicodemus had become a secret believer. Since most of the Pharisees hated Jesus and wanted to kill him, Nicodemus risked his reputation and high position by speaking up for Jesus, even though he only did so indirectly. His statement here was bold, and the Pharisees immediately became suspicious. After Jesus’ death, Nicodemus brought spices for his body (19:39). That is the last time he is mentioned in Scripture.