What Are You Thirsty For? 3 Lessons from the Woman at the Well
Have you ever been thirsty?
I’m sure we all know the yearning that comes with a hot summer day (certainly if you live in Florida), where all we long for is a tall, cold glass of sweet iced tea. Or the overwhelming urge for water after strenuous activity.
But have you ever experienced the proverbial thirst for life as you tackle demanding schedules, parenting struggles, or the threat of a looming crisis?
Even though our lives are all unique, I believe we can each attest to the thirst created by striving and doing as we chase goals, financial stability, or harmonious relationships, all while hoping to make space for the things we enjoy. And while these things are not necessarily bad, if we continue to run after them, we will become weary and, parched, leaving us dehydrated and thirsting for more.
The Woman at the Well
The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) knows this thirst completely.
She sought love and belonging through a myriad of unhealthy relationships in an attempt to quench her insatiable thirst.
Her efforts to go unnoticed in her community were most likely due to inner struggles of shame and unworthiness. Hence her trip to the well at what is known to be the hottest time of the day in Samaria. Most women would go to the well in the evening when the temperatures were cooler, but the Samaritan woman drew water at a time of intense heat when most likely, there was little chance of running into other women. Although on this particular day, as she drew near the well, there was a man present.
And we learn that Jesus offered her living water, and she drank from the cup of what she could only see with her eyes.
However, at the end of her encounter with Jesus, she tastes of His goodness, and her thirst is forever changed.
3 Lessons From the Woman at the Well
Almost immediately, this chosen daughter, who had been rejected and ridiculed, a woman who lived as an outcast, decided for herself that she wanted the Living Water. This beloved daughter found a refreshing salvation that only Jesus can offer.
Let’s explore together what she teaches us in this holy interaction at the well.
1. Salvation Isn’t Contingent on the Family We Are Born Into (John 4:9)
We all have family histories, cultures in which we were raised, and traditions passed down for generations. And even though we may share in the history and traditions of our family, our personal relationship with Jesus is divinely and intimately unique.
Regardless of the culture we are born into, Jesus offers each of us a personal choice regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. And this choice is an intimate decision that can only be shared between us and our Savior.
2. Salvation Isn’t Based on the Work of Our Hands (John 4:11)
Women in first-century middle eastern culture were responsible for household chores, with fetching water being one of the many. Fetching water is no doubt exhausting and tedious work. Not only do full vessels require strength, but it is a job that must be repeated daily for survival.
In a time when work was highly valued, Jesus met a woman with tired hands in the midday sun. And He longs to meet with you in the midst of life as well.
We all have specific responsibilities. However, our work is not the end-all-be-all of our salvation; Jesus is. And He takes great care in meeting you right where you are, offering you rest in your time of physical and spiritual fatigue.
3. Salvation Isn’t Withheld Based on Our Past (John 4:17-18)
Did you know everyone has something in their past they are ashamed of? While we all have and will continue to make mistakes, Jesus’ love for us nullifies that shame, and our sins are remembered no more.
“Jesus answered her, ‘If you know the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” John 4:10 NIV
Just as Jesus offered the woman a drink of living water, He also lifts His cup for us to drink from the well of living water.
Beloved daughter, are you tired and thirsty?
Come to the One who satisfies every thirst. For only the Living Water refreshes and restores abundantly.
Reflection Questions
- Where in your past do you seem to struggle with history or traditions most?
- What activities, roles, or responsibilities have left you feeling depleted and thirsting for more?
- How will you intentionally take a drink from the Living Water today?
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