Anybody Need a Drink?

John 7:1-52

Pastor Joel Sutton, April 21, 2013

The Real Jesus, Do you Believe?

Setting: Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-43)

Confusion and Controversy: Who is He? (vv. 10-36)

• Where did he go to school? vv. 15-19
• Where is he from? vv. 25-29
• Where is hegoing? vv. 32-36

Jesus: I am the source of life-giving water. vv. 37-39

• Who is it for?
• How do I get it?
• What are the results?

Take Home Idea: For the thirsty heart, life-giving water is only found by drinking deeply of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

Opening:

When you played hide and seek as a kid, where was one of your best hiding spots?

Have you ever been thirsty? Describe it. What did you do?

Look at the Take Home idea. Explain it in your own words.

Dig:

Read 7:1-13. Why did the religious leaders want to kill Jesus (see 5:18)? Why then do you think Jesus' brothers urge him to show his face and do miracles at the Feast in Jerusalem? Why doesn't Jesus go with them?

What rumors are going around about Jesus? Why then do you think he chooses to go secretly?

Read 7:14-36. At what point does Jesus go to the temple and begin teaching? Why do you think he stands up and teaches?

What different responses do people have to Jesus and his teaching? Who is saying what about Jesus in this passage? What is causing all the confusion?

Read 7:37-39. What day is it? Why do Jesus make this statement at this time? What is different about this statement than all the others he has made in the chapter?

Who is Jesus offering this life-giving water to? What is the condition they must be in?

How does a person get this life-giving water?

What is the result(s) of drinking this life-giving water?

Reflect:

Has the flow of the Spirit in your life lately felt more like a refreshing spring or a clogging faucet? What have you found helpful in releasing the stream of the Spirit's water in your life?

Close by sharing your answers and then praying together.