When Your Soul Is Thirsty Series

When Your Soul Is Thirsty

John 4:5–42

Introduction

The past week was spent in the cold and dark, and for many, it remains that way. We’ve thrown away food from our refrigerators, gone through batteries, boiled water, and listened while tree limbs popped and broke, and for some of us landed in damaging ways. Many in our area (and other areas) are asking “How much longer is this going to last?” Many of us are just tired and drained from this experience.

When we began our journey through John’s Gospel, I mapped out our message texts and somehow I believe God had us in this text just for such a time as this. John 4 is the longest recorded conversation Jesus has with anyone in the Gospels, and it is with a weary, wounded Samaritan woman at a well in the heat of the day. She comes for water; she finds living water.

When life leaves us dry and exhausted, Jesus invites us to drink deeply of the living water that only He can give. Let’s walk through the story together

1. Jesus Welcomes the Thirsty (John 4:5–15)

John 4:5–10, NLT

Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

Jesus is tired from the journey and sits by Jacob’s well at noon. A Samaritan woman comes to draw water. On almost every level this scene is “what’s wrong with this picture?” A Jewish rabbi alone with a woman, and not just any woman, but a Samaritan. The text reminds us: “Jews do not associate with Samaritans.” Yet Jesus speaks first and asks her for a drink. She is shocked: “How can you ask me for a drink?” Jesus answers, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

“Living water” in their world could mean running water, a fresh spring. But Jesus is speaking of something deeper—water that satisfies the spiritual thirst in every human heart. He says a few verses later: “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 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.” (John 4:13-14)

Our wells are things we depend on and think we control. This week has reminded us how fragile our usual “wells” are—power, heat, schedules, routines. In a matter of hours, they can be knocked out by ice and wind. Yet there is a well that no storm can touch: the living water of Christ’s presence and Spirit within us. In prayer, ask: “Lord, give me this water. Teach me to drink from You.” Jesus welcomes the thirsty to this well!

2. Jesus Welcomes the Weary (John 4:16–18)

John 4:16–18.

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband, for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

We are not told why she has had five husbands. In that culture, men could divorce women easily; death, abandonment, and injustice could all be part of her story. However it happened, her life has been one upheaval after another. She carries shame, gossip, and heartache every time she walks out her door.

Notice what Jesus does not do. He does not turn away. He does not say, “Come back when you’ve cleaned this up.” He meets her right in the middle of her tangled story, and He keeps offering living water. You and I carry our own weariness. Some of it is from this storm—cold nights, spoiled groceries, disrupted routines. Some of it is deeper—long-term family stress, grief, health concerns, and regrets that resurface when the house gets quiet and the lights are off.

To all the weary, Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 RSV) Jesus is calling exhausted people and promising relief, rest, and refreshment for their souls. When you have a quiet moment, speak Matthew 11:28 back to Jesus in prayer: “Lord, You said, ‘Come to Me.’ I’m coming. Here are my burdens. I need Your rest.” Let that be your last conversation before sleep.