John 4: 7
“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’”
One of the advantages of being God is that you know everything. Jesus, of course, is one with God. As John writes in Chapter 1 verse 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Knowing everything means that Jesus … well …. knows everything. That means that when Jesus meets the woman at the well he already knows about her unsavory past, her unclean religious background, and what she needs and what she is capable of.
As we read through the story of the woman at the well, we discover that the text never tells us whether or not Jesus ever got the drink he asked for. Somehow, though, it is easy to get the impression that getting a drink of water was not really what Jesus was after.
Q: What did Jesus really want when he asked the woman at the well for a drink?
Healing for her.
Two questions asked of anyone will, if asked in confidence, will reveal an unhealed area in a person’s life.
First question- what is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you. That one thing , if you could, ask Jesus to do for everyone else?
Second question – what one thing has happened in your life that , if you could ask Jesus, you would never want another person to ever experience?
The answer to the second question often reveals a deep wound.
Whether Jesus was thirsty or not, He began conversation with a great question which He asked at Jacobs well, a common ancestor of all Jews and Samaritans, which confirmed their family tie and ignored their differences.
His question is non threatening, submissive to her authority to help or not help Him, against all tradition, a male Jew asking a Samaritan woman for help.
A question that simply opened conversation and irregardless of her answer, was designed to lead to His next statement to the woman.
In this case Jesus achieved His objective by declaring HE IS LIVING WATER, brought the woman to saving faith, she in turn brought the city to Him. He taught for two days and many believed.
Jesus asked for water so He could give eternal life to many individuals of this city.
This is the Christ in us as we die to our flesh and allow Him to grow in us. Our life long struggle.
It’s interesting that Jesus came from being driven out of the temple and His questions provoked people to question His authority, but here His questions provoke her (and her family) to draw closer to God. Faith was revealed or denied.
Good point Robster. God knows how each will answer, we don’t.
Some good responses here! I do not have much to add. I agree with the sentiments and find it fascinating that Jesus used this as a tool to move toward her spiritual need. Whether or not Jesus needed or received water, what the woman needed was the water that He had to give.
I agree with you all on Jesus attitude and reason for talking with the Samaritan woman. He was still probably thirsty though 🙂
Great discussion! Healing, openness, provoking her to draw closer to God, and the fact that Jesus puts the needs of others before his own. Isn’t the depth of God’s love for us and his willingness to sacrifice himself for us amazing?!