The Gospel of John- Part 20: Rivers of Living Water | John 7:25-53// June 7th, 2026
Teaching overview
One Sunday, Pastor Riley Taylor taught from John 7:25–39, showing how the crowds debated Jesus’ identity while missing who He truly was. Through the questions surrounding His origin, mission, and authority, Riley emphasized that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the Messiah revealed throughout Scripture. During the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus boldly declared Himself to be the source of “living water,” inviting all who are spiritually thirsty to come to Him and receive the Holy Spirit. The sermon challenged listeners to move beyond cultural assumptions or casual admiration of Jesus and instead enter into a genuine relationship with Him through faith, surrender, and dependence on His life-giving presence.
Our prayer for the Community
Dear God, we come to You recognizing our deep need for You and confessing that we often look elsewhere to satisfy the thirst of our souls. Help us to see Jesus more clearly through Your Word, and fill us with the living water of Your Spirit so that we may follow Him with faith, joy, and surrender this week. Amen.
Group questions and further meditations:
Who Is the Jesus I Am Following?
Meditation:
The crowds in John 7 had many opinions about Jesus, but their assumptions often kept them from seeing who He truly was. We can also be tempted to shape Jesus according to our preferences, experiences, or culture rather than allowing Scripture to reveal Him to us.
DiscussionQuestions:
What has most influenced your view of Jesus throughout your life?
Are there areas where you have been tempted to make Jesus fit your preferences rather than submit to who He reveals Himself to be?
What is one practical way you can deepen your understanding of Jesus through Scripture this week?
Am I a Fan or Part of the Family?
Meditation:
Riley challenged us to consider the difference between admiring Jesus and truly following Him. Jesus invites us into a relationship marked by faith, repentance, and surrender—not merely appreciation from a distance.
DiscussionQuestions:
What do you think is the difference between being a “fan” of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus?
Is there an area of your life where Jesus is calling you to greater trust or surrender?
What keeps people from fully following Jesus, and how have you experienced those challenges personally?
3. Where Am I Looking to Quench My Thirst?
Meditation:
At the height of the Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus declared that He alone is the source of living water. Every person experiences spiritual thirst, but lasting satisfaction is found only through Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
DiscussionQuestions:
What are some common places people look for satisfaction apart from God?
How have you experienced spiritual thirst in this season of life?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence, guidance, or encouragement recently?
