John 7 - Africa Study Bible

God Sees Your Faith • John 7:1-6

We often face pressure to show our credentials and prove our faith to others. We may forget that God is the one who knows our hearts—and that his opinion is what matters most.

Although Jesus had been teaching in public, his brothers believed that he needed to go public at a national event. But Jesus refused because his ministry could be endangered if he revealed himself fully before it was God’s time.

Many times Jesus avoided danger. Was this a sign he did not have faith? Of course not! Christians should not go willfully into danger to try to prove our faith. We should not do irrational things like handling deadly snakes, drinking poison, or playing with fire to show that we are Christians or to prove that we have faith. We should not boast about our faith and try to prove its power. Many have lost their lives trying to prove their faith to others. We must resist that temptation. At times, danger will find us; then, our faith will be proven. Jesus willingly went towards danger when he knew it was God’s plan. Jesus knew when to do things publicly and when to do things quietly. When we act in ways that will bring glory to God, God will see our faith. And his opinion is what matters most.

Thirst-Quenching Water • John 7:37-39

Jesus offered living water at the Festival of Shelters. On the last day of the festival, priests read publicly from Zechariah 14:8 and Ezekiel 47:1-12. The prophets pictured life-giving waters that would flow from the Temple or Jerusalem at the end time. For the festival’s first seven days, priests symbolized this promise by drawing water from the Pool of Siloam. They took the water into the Temple, which they considered the navel, belly, or centre of the earth. On the festival’s last day, Jesus referred to the verses just read and offered living water, the Holy Spirit, to all who were willing.

Water is very important to us, especially in places where people have to dig wells or go to a stream to get drinkable water. Much of Africa is hot. We understand the satisfaction we receive from a cup of fresh water on a hot day. In some places, the water is not pure enough for drinking. It causes sickness. The water from Jesus is not like this—it is pure and brings health. Follow Jesus, the only source of pure, true satisfaction for our souls. Jesus gives us the Spirit. Let us experience his presence and power in our lives.