John 7:37

It is the final day of the Great Feast, Jesus suddenly stands up and cries out, “If there is anyone among you who is thirsty, come to me and quench your thirst.” John 7:37 EFP 

For the record most commentators agree this is a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles (see verse 2), which took place around September/October in our calendar. It comes after the soul-searching moments of the Day of Atonement. This time is a time of celebration and thanksgiving for God’s provisions and blessings, not the least of which is the cleansing of Yom Kippur. This festival is a biggie—so much so that all Jewish males were mandated to attend.

Imagine the scene. The people are debating the validity of Jesus’ claims. Is he a prophet? Could he be the Messiah? But he’s from Galilee! That is not possible and still be the Messiah! The discussion is heating up, when it seems, all of a sudden Jesus stands up in the middle of the temple courts and apparently shouts out the words recorded above. 

It seems random and somewhat impulsive. No previous reference to water or drinking. Jesus simply shouts out an invitation to come and drink. Quench your thirst. Satisfy your parched throats. What must have been the reaction to this unexpected proclamation? Well, for one it shook them out of the state of mind that was focusing on the minutiae.  “This is what I am saying, people!” Listen! They had all the trappings of Messianic people but were overlooking the Messiah. This is his Festal declaration. It only gets better.