Chapter 4 of the Gospel of John:
The story of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman is one of my favorites. It is the story of a "common" woman and an extraordinary man, Christ. It is about taking care of the simple things in life, like a drink when you are thirsty. It is about comparing earthly things, "water" with holy things, living water.
First of all, once again we have Jesus "breaking the rules". Jews were not supposed to talk to or interact with Samaritans. Regardless of this societal norm Jesus proceeded not to just talk with her but to teach her. While she listened intently she was confused by his words. She questioned him. In telling her about her life, something He had no way of knowing, He convinces her that He is the Messiah.
"Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst." John 4:14
Again we have Jesus explaining his existence, the "gift" He has to offer in simple terms with a simple story. While water is necessary for human life the water Jesus offered is necessary for "spiritual life." When we drink water here in this earthly home we are thirsty again and again. However, once you drink of the water Jesus offers you will not thirst but be satisfied. Bodily needs and spiritual needs compared,
Many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the woman's story. Yet many more believed because they came to "see" for themselves. It speaks to our human existence "seeing is believing". Yet even today we experience this same phenomena. Doubt is rampant, and those things we can not see, or taste, or touch do not exist for us. What a narrow focus we have in our day to day lives. There is so much more outside the realm that we live in.
Hugs to each of you, may you never be thirsty.
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