"Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst" (John 4:13–14).
Before we get into the particulars of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, let us look at the contrast between the third chapter of John (Christ’s work in Judea) and the fourth (His work in Samaria). This striking difference reveals a great deal about the character of Christ’s ministry.
In the former chapter, Jesus had a conversation with a man (Nicodemus). In this chapter, He deals with a woman. In the previous chapter, He talked with a Jew; here a Samaritan. Nicodemus was a man of high moral standing; the Samaritan woman, of low reputation. The differences between these two people are great, yet Christ proves Himself able to save both. As we said in Friday’s lesson, Jesus did not just come to save the lost sheep of Israel, but the Gentiles as well. This will be an unfolding theme as we study the book of John.
How, then, does Jesus prove Himself able to save this Samaritan woman? He spoke to Nicodemus about being born again, but here He speaks of “living water.” The woman assumes that Jesus is referring to a nearby spring. Assuming that He is talking about the deep spring, she asks Him if He has a rope and bucket. She also asks why He would go through the trouble of getting this water, when the well, which is accessible, has been provided for by her ancestor Jacob. Could it be that Jesus considers Himself greater than Jacob, too great to drink from this well? Once her thoughts turn in this direction, she is ready to hear the Gospel. She has ceased to consider what Jesus intended to do and is now thinking about who He is.
Jesus answers by proclaiming the Gospel. He is the One who is able to satisfy all our needs. Simple water cannot quench our thirst forever. Physical water is outside of us, but living water—the gift of the Holy Spirit—dwells in us, giving us everlasting life. The things of this world cannot fill the emptiness inside of us; only Christ can make us whole. This is the Good News that Jesus proclaimed to this outcast, immoral woman. He proclaims it to us today. He is the living water, and if we drink of Him we will be filled.
Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Water. We need both water and food. Jesus’ point is that He is sufficient for life. Yet, we still try to find fulfillment in earthly things. What things have you used to try to fill the emptiness in your life? Go to Christ today and ask Him to fill your empty soul.
