By now I'm sure you are catching on to the importance of paying attention to the imagery that John uses in his gospel to convey the importance of the person of Jesus and His mission to creation. Knowing our OT imagery goes a long way into understanding what the NT writers are communicating. As we are now in the chapters where John records Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, no doubt the greatest feast in Israel, the backdrop of the imagery in the feast that recalls God's provision for Israel in the wilderness, we see Jesus speaking of Himself as the focal point of the feast itself.
The Jews were celebrating God and remembering His provision in the past and Jesus is there teaching that His connection to God brings with it the presence of God in their very midst. The reason for Jesus' mission on behalf of the Father is to restore Israel and the nations to their true humanity. That true humanity exists when the Spirit resides within each one. The result of this is like a gushing river of living water that flows from deep within each one that puts their trust in Jesus and surrenders their life to Him.
Such humanity changes the world. Living out this humanity speaks of the central connection of the human race with God Himself. The issue is whether the audience and reader will give themselves over to such a change in their life. These words of Jesus hit people where they are and some are too comfortable in their present life to consider changing. Others are hearing and embracing Jesus' words, putting their trust in Him while others are confused and don't know quite what to make of it all. Like the Parable of the Sower that appears in the other canonical gospels, this story of John's in chapter seven shows that Jesus simple intent is that His words grab hold of some. By the seed of His word taking root in the hearts of some, the result will be an exponential growth of their new humanity which will grow over time to influence a multitude of others.
Next week we will continue through to chapter nine where the narrative of Jesus at the feast will end with the healing of the blind man. I'm looking forward to opening this part up for you to see what else Jesus does through John's recollection that paints for us the picture of who He is and what we are called to be. Up till now, we have been encouraged by Jesus to believe in Him - put our trust in Him - surrender our lives over to His sacrifice where He will lay down His and our life in order to take it up again in the new humanity that God desires for us.
Chapter 6 Part II and Part III
Portico John Lecture - Chapter Six Part II - Real Food and Real Drink
Portico John Lecture - Chapter Six Part III - Real Food and Real Drink
Chapter 7
Portico John Lecture - Chapter Seven - Teaching at the Feast
Chapter 8
Portico John Lecture - Chapter Eight - Light of the World
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