What does John 7:39 teach about Jesus' glorification and its significance? Setting the Scene • Jesus is at the Feast of Tabernacles, proclaiming, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (vv. 37–38). • The crowds debate His identity; leaders resist Him. Into that tension John inserts verse 39 to explain the timing of God’s next move. John 7:39 “He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.” Key Truths Packed into One Sentence 1. The coming of the Spirit is tied to faith in Jesus. 2. The Spirit’s full New-Covenant outpouring awaited a specific milestone: Jesus’ glorification. 3. Until that moment, believers could anticipate but not yet experience permanent indwelling. What “Glorified” Means in John’s Gospel • John links glorification to Jesus’ entire saving work—His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (John 12:23, 13:31–32, 17:1). • Acts 2:32-33 confirms it: the risen, exalted Jesus “has poured out what you now see and hear.” • Therefore, John 7:39 teaches that the Spirit’s arrival depends on Christ’s completed, exalted victory. Why the Sequence Matters • Atonement first—Jesus had to bear sin and conquer death (Isaiah 53:11; 1 Peter 2:24). • Vindication—resurrection proves the sacrifice accepted (Romans 4:25). • Enthronement—ascension places Him at the Father’s right hand to send the Spirit (Psalm 110:1; John 16:7). • Covenant inauguration—Pentecost marks the launch of the promised New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Acts 2). Significance for Believers Today • Assurance: The indwelling Spirit is evidence that Jesus truly reigns in glory (Romans 8:11). • Adoption: The Spirit testifies we are God’s children (Romans 8:15-16). • Power: His presence equips us to witness and serve (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Seal and guarantee: He is “the pledge of our inheritance” until final redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). • Unity: All believers share the same Spirit, forming one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Takeaway John 7:39 roots the gift of the Holy Spirit in the historical, completed glorification of Jesus. Because He is now enthroned, every believer can drink deeply of “living water” today. |
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