“Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.” (John 4:6-8)
 

John 4:5-42

The Samaritan woman must have been surprised to find Jesus at the well. And even more so when he addressed her and asked a favour of her. Jesus could have chosen a different time of the day to be at the well when the more prominent members of society would be there. He could have chosen to interact with them rather than with this woman.

Jesus and the woman need a drink to quench their physical and metaphorical thirst. Jesus has been on a long journey; he is hot, tired and thirsty. The woman must fill her jar, so she has water for the rest of the day and night ahead of her. They also have the desire to quench their desirous thirst. Jesus desires that the woman knows who he is so that she may choose a new life and be a witness to others. The woman desires to have more, for her life to have a new purpose. Jesus asks for a drink of water yet knows he is offering her the life-giving water of salvation.

Often we find ourselves feeling thirsty or hungry, as Jesus did, as the Samaritan woman did. Our physical hunger and thirst are easy to relieve, but the emotional, spiritual and psychological hunger and thirst take a little more effort. We go through times when we feel broken, not good enough, and hopeless and don’t know who to turn to. Jesus is waiting for us to share these feelings and emotions with him so that he can fill us and restore us.

Where do you find yourself today? Are you at the well with many people? Are you alone at the well with Jesus? Will you ask him to give you a drink?

Lord, 

You are the life-giving water of salvation. 

You fill us and restore us when we are down and feel hopeless. 

Join us at the well today, and quench our thirst for you and your love.

Amen