Day 4, Chapter 4: The Woman at the Well

Chapter 4 of John contains the well-known and much-loved story of the woman at the well. But as you read the chapter today, don’t skim it. Force yourself to take in every word. Ask God to help you see this amazing passage of Scripture with fresh eyes. In the last chapter, we saw a theme begin--the theme of a new spiritual life, of being born again into an everlasting life through belief in Jesus. In this chapter, we find that spiritual lives, like physical lives, need nourishment. Jesus begins by discussing spiritual thirsts. He says that a person only needs to ask Him and He will give water that will drive away thirst forever.

The woman asking for this water doesn’t quite get it. So, Jesus drives the point home by asking that she go bring her husband to Him. The woman had a spiritual thirst for a relationship but after five husbands, she was still thirsty. That’s the thirst Jesus wants to quench--the thirst for a deep, meaningful relationship. Jesus talks later to His disciples about spiritual hunger that is satisfied through doing the will of God. There’s many people who have yet to hear about God, many opportunities yet for the spiritually hungry to be filled.

Prayer

Jesus, You know the deep thirsts of my heart—the places I try to fill with lesser things. Today I come to You, the Living Water. Quench my soul with Your presence, and heal the places I’ve tried to satisfy apart from You. Teach me to worship in Spirit and in Truth, not out of routine, but from a heart that has encountered You personally. Let Your living water flow through me and refresh others who are weary and searching. Amen.