Getting Serious

Getting Serious

John 4:10-15, NLT

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 11“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 13Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” 15“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

Setting the Scene

Rather than answer the woman’s question directly, Jesus piqued her interest with an intriguing comment, taking their common interest in water and thirst and transitioning to a more serious topic. His goal was to tell her about eternal life, and thirst provided that opportunity.

Jesus’ remark produced several practical questions in the mind of the Samaritan woman. Just as Nicodemus didn’t understand Jesus’ reference to being born again, she did not immediately sense the depth of Jesus’ words about “living water.” Was this water at the bottom of this spring-fed well? If so, how could Jesus offer it with no container for drawing it? She began to wonder if Jesus had access to some source of water other than Jacob’s well. Who is this stranger? she thought.

Jesus explained that his “water” flowed from a never-ending spring and quenched spiritual thirst. That definitely got the woman’s attention. And though she didn’t understand what Jesus meant, she wanted his “water.”

Getting Personal

What do you remember about being spiritually thirsty? How did you feel? What did you do to try to quench that thirst?

Who first shared the Good News about Jesus with you? What did the person say, and how did you respond?

What might be a good way for you to begin a conversation with an unbelieving friend that might lead to telling that person about Christ?

Although Jesus’ goal in his various conversations was always the same—to share the truth about himself and the way to obtain eternal life—his approaches varied greatly, with each one tailored to the individual. He told Nicodemus, a spiritual leader, that he needed a spiritual rebirth; he told this Samaritan woman about “living water.” With others, Jesus used salt, seeds, doors, riches, sheep, and other word pictures. Just as every individual is unique, so, too, was the gospel presentation. With the woman at Jacob’s well, Jesus began with their common thirst for H2O, then directed her to deeper realities. Jesus didn’t blast the woman with the truth or talk down to her. He shared a natural conversation, person-to-person, treating her with respect.

Talking to God

Remember how astonishing it is that the Creator initiated a relationship with you. Praise him for his love and persistence in your life.