Central Truth

In this passage, Jesus shows us that He is like us in so many ways: He was thirsty, hungry, weary.  Yet even in the middle of these very human feelings, He shows Himself to be God, the Giver of Life and of Living Water.

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Reflections

Taking four kids on a family vacation is at once both an exhilarating experience … and an exhausting one.  Over the years, we’ve made an effort to show our kids great wonders: the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Redwood Forest, Niagara Falls.  Sometimes, they “get” the awesome power the Creator has built into these places; sometimes, they just get hungry and thirsty and tired and “gotta go potty.”  They’re just kids, after all.  Very human kids. 

In this passage, John 4, Jesus shows Himself to be both profoundly human, and amazingly divine.  The passage starts with a long journey.  Footsore, thirsty, tired, Jesus and his disciples arrive in Samaria: a country in which they are not exactly treated as friends.  Jesus is hungry, we read in v. 8, because he sends his disciples into town to buy food.  And He settles Himself next to a well, physically thirsty and weary.

Along comes a woman to draw water from the well.  We don’t know her name.  But Jesus proves in the ensuing conversation that even in his evident humanity, He is most profoundly God.  He begins by requesting a drink of water.  He then challenges her with this statement:  “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”  (v. 13-14)  He goes on to prove to this woman that He is, indeed, the Living Water, the Life, the Messiah (v. 26).

Even Jesus grew tired, thirsty, hungry.  He knew that we would as well, and He allows us to relate to this side of our Savior.  Yet in our humanity, Jesus reminds us to come and drink deeply of Him, and feel His Life coursing through our veins. Jesus IS our life, God within us.  He takes the humanity we offer to Him, and turns it into a divine Mission, fruitful and abundant.  Taste some Living Water today.  “Even the youth grow weary … but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”  (Isaiah 40:31).

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Discussion Questions

1.  What do you think theologians mean when they call Jesus "the God-man?"

2.  Does this passage help you understand Jesus' humanity more?  In what way?

3.  In what ways do you see Jesus' divinity demonstrated here?

4.  Do you need Living Water to bubble up and pour forth from your life?   Talk to the Life Giver today!

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