While Jesus was standing by the well, a Samaritan woman approached to draw water. She came not in the morning or evening like other women, but at noon. She did not wish to meet anyone; with her bad reputation she was scorned by all wherever she went. Jesus could discern her troubled heart from afar, and felt her thirst for cleansing. He decided to help her; He did not bring up the Ten Commandments, nor did he scold her, rather he simply asked for a drink; he regarded her as somehow deserving to offer him a drink. But when she recognized him as Jewish she hesitated. For there was a gulf between her people and his. To the extent that neither side would touch the other’s utensils for fear of pollution. Jesus, however, behaved as if there was no ritual barrier between them, honoring her by his request.
Christ’s purpose was to arouse a hunger for God in this sinner. As the venue was a well; it was fitting to talk about water. This awakened a desire in her for the gift of God. He set before her God’s love as an aim. It was not judgment awaiting her for perdition, but it was God’s gift prepared for her in grace. What a splendid miracle.
Grace does not come spontaneously from the wind but comes in the Person of Jesus alone. He is the giver of talents and divine graces. Still the woman saw him as an ordinary man. Christ’s glory was still concealed from her eyes, but his pure love shone clearly before her. He told her that living water was his possession. The heavenly drink that he offers quenches the soul’s thirst. All men long for love and truth, and wish to return to God. He who comes to Jesus quenches his thirst.
Jesus offers God’s gift to those who ask for it. We have to confess our need, just as Jesus expressed his need for water. Whoever will not bow his head and ask, will not receive heavenly water freely offered.
The woman failed to understand Jesus. She replied in practical terms, "You have no vessel to draw water and the well is deep, so how can you give me water?" At the same time she was perplexed as she experienced Jesus’ kindness and love. Unlike her neighbors he did not despise her. He was apart from her by majesty, but loved her in his holiness. Never had she met a man as pure as he was. So she asked, "Are you greater than our father Jacob? Do you plan to work a wonder and give us a new well?"
Jesus answered explaining that he did not have earthly water in mind, since whoever slakes his thirst bodily with natural water will thirst again. The body simply absorbs the water and disposes of it.
However, Jesus gives us living water, and quenches every spiritual thirst. Christians seek God and find Him. They are not philosophers reflecting on truth without reaching it. God has found them; they know Him in essence. His love always suffices us. His revelation never becomes tedious or out-of-date, but is ever springing, renewed daily limpid and refreshing knowledge of God is not just a thought, but power, life, light and peace. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift of heavenly water.
Three times Jesus repeats the affirmation that he alone is the giver of living water. No religion or party, no kinship or friendship can quench your soul’s thirst, only Jesus your Savior.
Whoever receives God’s gift is transformed. The thirsty one becomes a fountain of water overflowing to bless others, giving them grace, joy and love with other fruits of the Holy Spirit. Abiding in Christ we receive grace upon grace, becoming himself God’s gift to many.
The woman felt that Jesus was genuine in his converse with her and no magician. She asked him for that living water. She confessed her need, but continued to think that Jesus was still speaking of earthly water. She imagined that receiving that water, she would no longer need to carry the pot on her head and mingle with those who despised her.