January 8, 2026
In John 7:38, Jesus seems to quote the Old Testament, although this exact wording doesn't appear anywhere in it. Zechariah 14:8 predicted living water flowing from the eschatological temple in Jerusalem, and there is a link between pouring out water on the land and the Spirit on the people in Isaiah 44:3. The scene in John takes place during the Feast of Booths, which celebrated God's provision in the wilderness, including the water from the struck rock (Exodus 17:6).
Jesus is likely summing all of this up and suggesting that he is the typological fulfillment of the provision in the wilderness (cf. John 6) and the direct fulfillment of the eschatological temple. After he is glorified—meaning resurrected and ascended—living water from the Holy Spirit will flow from him to all his followers (Acts 2). Jesus both encapsulates Israel's story and brings it to its climax, including the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon God's people. Give thanks today for the Holy Spirit, and remember that his presence in you should feel like living water, cleansing, refreshing, and renewing.