Inspired by | John chapter 7 | and the song | Taste and See |
The Account of Baruch, a Pharisee at the feast of Tabernacles, 29AD:
BLASPHEMY!!!. He dares to speak in the middle of the temple, in front of all Jerusalem, as if He had authority! I watched Him from the edge of the crowd, my fists clenched as He offered some kind of “living water” to the people.
Who did He think He was? We have the law, we have the rituals. We have the truth! And yet, the people listened to Him. Some whispered that He was the Prophet, others murmured that He might be the Messiah. Could they be so easily deceived?
Was I missing something? No, from Nazareth, what good can come from that small town? I would not stand and watch the people be led astray.
The Feast of Tabernacles and The Truth that was seen as Blasphemy:
The last and great day of the feast swells with meaning. The priests are making their final circuits, the altar is prepared, and the people await the pouring of the water.
The water-pouring ritual, a central act of the feast, it begins as a priest draws water from the Pool of Siloam, carrying it up to the Temple in a golden pitcher. The crowds follow, singing Psalms of praise, especially from Isaiah: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
The solemn moment has come when the water, mixed with wine, is about to be poured out as a thank offering to their God who gives life to His people. Suddenly a voice cries out:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”
His words cause a stir. The people turn to see who would dare speak such things, here in the heart of the Temple, during this most sacred moment. But Jesus does not stop.
“Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within him.”
The true source of life stands before them, offering to quench a thirst they may not even realize they have. The priests pour out water, but Jesus offers Himself—the one who can fill the deepest longings, who can offer forgiveness, hope, and salvation.
For the Hebrews, this feast is not just about physical sustenance. It is about identity—about remembering that God is the provider and sustainer of their people. They remember how their ancestors depended on Him through their time in the wilderness, and in this moment, Jesus is revealing that He is the God who sustains them. He is the fulfillment of the ancient promises. He is the well of salvation from which they can drink, and never be thirsty again.
And so, while the people had gathered to pray for rain, to thank God for the harvest and ask for His continued provision, Jesus shifts their attention to the true provision—Himself, the source of living water.
And for this reason: He was crucified!!
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