Hunger to Do God’s Will

We have all had occasions when we were so busy we missed a meal. Either we had no time to eat, or we were so engrossed in activity that we forgot to take the time. Usually, however, we make regular meals our priority.

The same was true for the disciples. They had been purchasing food in the village while Jesus waited at the well. Upon their return, they were shocked to find Him in deep conversation with the Samaritan woman (v. 27). Their surprise may have been twofold. Perhaps like the woman herself, they were surprised to find Jesus talking with a despised Samaritan. They may have been surprised further to find that it was a woman. Despite their amazement, they did not question Jesus about His reasons. Maybe they were too focused on their own hunger.

When the woman left in a hurry, the disciples urged Jesus to eat. Jesus answered, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (v. 32). The disciples interpreted His statement literally, as the Samaritan woman had done with His statement about water. But Jesus soon corrected their thinking. Although Jesus needed to eat like everyone else, He was energized by a desire to complete His mission. He was also sustained by God’s power. As Jesus and His followers talked, the crowd from the village came into view. Like a field ready to be harvested, their hearts had been prepared by the testimony of the Samaritan woman (v. 38).

Many people today have hearts ready to respond to this message. They are waiting for someone to share it with them. Each of us has a role to play in this task. Some are involved in sowing the seed by sharing the message while others bring in the harvest.

Pray with Us

Timothy Arens, vice president and dean of Student Life, asks you to commit to prayer today’s Day One event on campus. His team works hard on its logistics as they introduce prospective students and their parents to Moody Bible Institute.

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.