“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified).”
— John 7:38–39 (KJV)
The writings of John the Apostle give us unique insights into the life and sayings of Jesus. John not only recorded events, but he also offered clarifications to help his readers understand the deeper meaning.
For example, in John 7:38 Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would have rivers of living water flowing from within them. John immediately explained in verse 39 that this referred to the Holy Spirit, who would be given after Jesus was glorified. Thus, the “rivers of living water” symbolize the outflow of the Spirit through the believer’s life.
Today, our focus is on the statement in verse 39b:
“For the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”
The giving of the Spirit was directly tied to the glorification of Jesus.
What does it mean for Jesus to be glorified?
From eternity, Jesus shared the glory of God the Father (John 17:5). Yet, when He came to earth, He laid aside that glory and took on the form of a servant.
Philippians 2:6–7 explains:
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
In His earthly life—through His birth, baptism, and ministry—Jesus walked without the fullness of the glory He had before the world began. He humbled Himself, even unto death on the cross. His glorification came after His death, resurrection, and ascension, when He was exalted back to the Father’s right hand, crowned with glory and honor.
Why was the Spirit given only after Jesus was glorified?
While Jesus walked the earth, the “river of living water” flowed only through Him. He alone carried the fullness of the Spirit (John 3:34). When He touched the sick, they were healed. When He entered a place of mourning, sorrow was turned into joy. The river was embodied in Christ Himself.
But when He was glorified, He poured out that same Spirit on His followers. No longer would the river be limited to one man—it would now flow through every believer.
Ezekiel’s vision confirms this truth:
“Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.” (Ezekiel 47:9, NIV)
Wherever this river flows, life is restored. That is the purpose of the Spirit-filled believer: to bring healing, freshness, and transformation wherever we go.
The Evidence of Jesus’ Glorification
The true evidence that Jesus has been glorified is not only seen in His exaltation at the Father’s right hand but also in the fact that He has produced men and women with the same capacity He demonstrated on earth.
The Spirit in us is the continuation of the glorified Jesus on earth. When people encounter us, they should encounter the river of life. They should leave better, healed, strengthened, and refreshed.
The challenge before us is personal: in your lifetime, how many men and women have you raised who now carry the same capacity of Christ in you? It should not be said, “When so-and-so died, that grace died with him.” Instead, the testimony should be, “Though he is gone, he left behind men and women who are doing even greater works.”
Conclusion & Prayer
The glorified Jesus now flows through His people by the Holy Spirit. The river is no longer limited to one man—it is multiplied through many. You are a carrier of that river.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for sending Your Spirit after You were glorified. Let Your river flow through me to bring healing, life, and transformation everywhere I go. Help me to raise others who will carry this same life-giving river to the nations. Amen.
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