A Thirst for God

In 2014, the city of Flint, Mich., changed its water source from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River because it was cheaper. But problems with the way the water was then treated caused it to become contaminated with lead from the pipes. As a result, over 100,000 residents were exposed to high levels of lead from their drinking water.

The woman in Samaria was struggling to get water. The fact that she came to the well during the heat of noon instead of in the cooler evening suggests that she hoped to do so in privacy. When the woman arrived, she was surprised to find Jesus seated there “tired as he was from the journey” (v. 6). She was shocked further when Jesus asked her for a drink (v. 9). The Jewish people considered the Samaritans to be impure religious half-breeds with sacrilegious worship practices, even though they both shared some of the same beliefs.

When the woman expressed her amazement, Jesus turned the tables and offered “living” water as a “free gift” (v. 10). Living water was a familiar phrase often used to speak of flowing water. The woman took Him literally, but Jesus was talking about eternal life (v. 14). He brought up her marital history not to embarrass her but to show that she suffered from a spiritual thirst that could never be quenched by any human means or earthly wells.

Jesus’ question about her husband convinced the woman that He was a prophet who could resolve a long-standing disagreement between Jews and Samaritans about the proper place to worship (v. 21). Jesus answered her question and told her that He was more than a prophet. He was the promised Messiah, long awaited by both Jews and Samaritans.

Pray with Us

Patrick Friedline in Career Development helps our students and alumni find full-time and part-time jobs. Would you pray today for their careers to blossom, bringing glory to God and His Word?

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.