Scripture: John 4:6 (ESV) – “Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.”
This verse provides a remarkable glimpse into both the humanity and divinity of Jesus. We see Jesus, fully God yet fully man, experiencing physical exhaustion. His weariness is a reminder that He truly took on human flesh, subjecting Himself to the limitations of a human body—hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Yet, despite His physical weariness, He is still sovereign over all things. His decision to stop at this well at this particular time was no accident; it was a divine appointment.
The document emphasizes that Jesus’ presence at Jacob’s well carries deep significance. This well, tied to Israel’s patriarchal history, was a symbol of provision and survival. However, Jesus was about to offer something far greater than the physical water that Jacob’s well provided—He would offer living water, eternal life through Him. Additionally, the mention of the “sixth hour” (around noon) highlights the unusual timing of the encounter to come. Normally, women came to draw water in the morning or evening to avoid the heat. The fact that Jesus is there, waiting, foreshadows that something extraordinary is about to happen.
James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, highlights the beautiful irony of this moment. The Creator of the universe, who spoke the waters into existence, now sits at a well, thirsty and weary. Boice explains that Jesus’ weariness reminds us of His true humanity—He understands human weakness and exhaustion. Yet at the same time, His presence at the well was orchestrated by divine purpose. Boice also notes that Jesus’ weariness did not prevent Him from fulfilling His mission; rather, it positioned Him perfectly to engage with the Samaritan woman and reveal His identity as the Messiah.
For us, this verse is an encouragement in two ways. First, it reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles. He knows what it means to be tired, hungry, and worn down. We can come to Him with our burdens, knowing that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. Second, it challenges us to trust in God’s divine timing. Even in His physical weariness, Jesus was exactly where He needed to be for a life-changing encounter. In the same way, God places us in specific moments for His purposes, even when we may not fully understand them.
Reflection Questions:
- How does seeing Jesus’ weariness deepen your understanding of His humanity and ability to relate to your struggles?
- Have you ever experienced a moment where you were physically or emotionally drained, yet God still used you for His purposes? How did that shape your faith?
- How can you trust in God’s divine timing, even in seasons of exhaustion or uncertainty?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on human flesh and experiencing weariness, hunger, and thirst. It reminds us that You truly understand our struggles. Help us to trust that You place us exactly where we need to be, even when we feel weak or tired. Teach us to see divine appointments in everyday moments and to trust in Your perfect timing. May we always thirst for the living water that only You can provide. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 