The Command
Come to Jesus.
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37)
What It Means
Jesus says this at the Feast of Booths (John 7:2), a week-long celebration where Israel remembered God providing for them in the wilderness. It was the last day, which John calls “the great day.” He stood up and cried out:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:37-38)
He calls out to anyone who is thirsty, loudly and in public, so everyone can hear. Thirst holds a lot in one word. It can be a want, a need, a craving, or an ache you’ve stopped noticing. Jesus puts no conditions on it. The only requirement is the thirst, and the response he asks for is to come to him and drink. He then promises that whoever believes in him will have living water flowing from within.
Try It Today
Ask yourself what you’re thirsty for today. It might be a want or a need: rest, peace, or someone to notice you. Then ask: have I gone to Jesus to drink today, or have I been trying to quench this on my own? Bring that thirst to him by name and ask him to meet it.
Tonight’s Prayer
Jesus, I came to you thirsty today. Thank you for inviting anyone who comes. Fill what I can’t fill myself. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.