SDG 161 Religion versus Relationship

John 7:37–39

The Israelites had religion but they lacked relationship. 

Now there’s perhaps no festival that showed this more clearly than the feast of tabernacles.  This feast was a great Hebrew feast and during the climax of that feast, the priest would go down to the pool of Siloam and fill a golden pitcher with water from the pool.

Then he'd bring that water back and the people would follow; leaping, dancing, playing cymbals, chanting, and praising.

And then priest would pour out the water from the pool of Siloam at the altar.

And as he did, all sorts of hilarity would break out.

So Jesus was observing this ceremony watching their ecstasy, their joy, and their hilarity. And He knew that after it was all over, they would go back to their homes, and  this celebration and happiness would just be a vague memory.

They would still have their old heartaches, tears, fears,  faults, and failures.  All of their enjoyment would be gone; a mere religious exercise and not a relationship with The LORD of Glory.

So it was this religious ritual that gave a fleeting joy for but a moment, like a pitcher of water poured out on an altar.

That's why Jesus said, “If you’re really thirsty, come to Me and drink.”

So what Jesus was saying is, “It's time to stop enduring religion, and start enjoying salvation through a relationship with Me.”

Be sure to tune in to learn the difference between  religion and relationship