Who Is He? Who Are We?Намуна

Jesus became aware of the Pharisees' hearing that Jesus had been baptizing more than John, and this upset them, so from that, Jesus picked up and began travelling to Galilee from Judea. Jesus left because He knew there would be an uprising in confrontation, and He was aware that it wasn’t the time for that confrontation in Jerusalem yet. For Jesus to get to Galilee, He had to pass through Samaria. Jews and Samaritans typically avoided each other due to the deep dislikes between both parties, so for Jesus to pass through was already against the cultural norms for Jews.

During His journey, Jesus became tired (from this we see His humanity) and found a well to rest by. While He was resting there, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well, and Jesus asked her to get Him a drink. This left the woman confused because she understood that Jews and Samaritans don’t interact with each other, so she questioned why He asked. Jesus responds by saying that if she had understood who He was (the son of God), she would’ve asked Him for a drink instead, and He would’ve given her living water.

Living water in that time could’ve been perceived as a water spring, but Jesus was saying that as spiritual water that quenches all thirst and produces life in the one who drinks it. Jesus explains this, and the woman now desires a drink of this water. Following this, Jesus brings up her sinful life as well as discusses worship with her. In that moment, the woman tells Jesus that she knows the Messiah is coming, and Jesus reveals that He is that very Messiah.

Jesus uses the term “living water” as a declaration of Himself being the source of life and spiritual fulfillment. This spiritual fulfillment is a long-lasting satisfaction that fills every person’s spiritual needs. Living water is also a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. This is because a person who believes in Jesus may receive this living water (or the Holy Spirit) and let it be a source of life from within. With this living water being a life source from within, things will change in your preferences, priorities, or habits. This living water will shape you from the inside out, but to do that, one must walk in obedience to the One who is the living water.

Walking in obedience looks like abiding in Him, listening, and giving to the One who is worth your time. It also looks like doing the things you don’t want to do, or the things that make you uncomfortable. Obedience is laying yourself down to carry out the mission of the Lord, regardless of how you feel about it. After reading this, spend time in prayer, and ask the Lord where He wants you to act in obedience this week. Following that prayer, be intentional in listening to the voice of the Lord, and lay down your pride. And when you hear the Lord directing you to do something, be quick to respond and do it. This will help you practice and grow in obedience, as well as become closer to the Lord in this time.