The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

WATER FROM THE ROCK

The people demanded that Moses provide water to satiate their thirst. God provided Moses with instructions for how to provide water for their needs. God told Moses to take the rod and strike a rock. From this unlikely source, God provided water to meet the people’s need. The faithless Israelites were reminded that the Lord would take care of them by bringing water from a rock.

The rock of God continues to nourish God’s people throughout all of redemptive history. Centuries after God’s miraculous provision from a rock in the wilderness, Jesus faced another group of contentious people. This time the Pharisees and the Sadducees asked him to show them a sign to validate his authority. Jesus, knowing their hearts, refused to entertain their demands. Rather, he took his disciples to a remote, mountainous location at Caesarea Philippi and there gave them a vivid object lesson.

He asked his followers to describe the public opinion regarding his identity. Peter, as the outspoken leader of Jesus’ inner circle, declared that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). These titles were not mere flattery, but demonstrated that Peter understood Jesus to be the long-awaited King in the line of David. Jesus responded to Peter, whose name means “rock,” telling him that this confession would be the basis for the foundation of his church. Jesus will build his church on this truth, and nothing, not even the gates of hell, will be able to destroy his church (Mt 16:17 – 18).

This rock will provide water for God’s people for days without end. Jesus himself will provide streams of living water to his people in the church. Those who recognize their thirst can come to Jesus and be satisfied. Not only that, but the Spirit of God will fill them with streams of living water to quench their thirst forever (Jn 7:38 – 39).

Jesus, I know you are the rock of my life. Help me to live out this truth every second. Please fill me with your living water, so that my life may please you. Amen.