What resonates most strongly in today’s Gospel reading are the verses 37-39 in which Jesus invites us to come to him and drink if we are thirsty. Throughout Jesus’ teaching, water is a constant theme and water is something very relatable and important to everyone, from his time until today. From the very beginning of life we are protected by water in the womb. Water continues to be a necessity throughout our lives. Water quenches our thirst, nourishes the plants that feed us, it cleanses us and as rain, it refreshes the world around us.
The ensuing verses address the challenges for all to believe. We read of questioning who Jesus is, a desire by some to arrest him as a false Messiah, a general conflicting of opinions as the temple police go back and forth to the chief priests and the Pharisees. However to help us, John writes of Nicodemus, a former non-believer, who steps forward and defends Jesus.
Lord Jesus Christ, let prayer, like water, flow through us and allow it to nourish our faith and belief in you. Amen.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 7:6-11
John 7:37-52
