Scripture: John 4:10 (ESV) – “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’”
In this verse, Jesus shifts the conversation from physical needs to spiritual truth. The Samaritan woman had come to the well expecting to draw water, but Jesus invites her to recognize a far greater need—her need for living water. He tells her that if she truly understood the gift of God and who was speaking to her, she would be the one asking Him for water.
The document emphasizes that Jesus’ words reveal two crucial truths: (1) salvation is a gift from God, not something earned, and (2) Jesus Himself is the source of that gift. The woman sees Jesus as just a Jewish man at a well, but He is offering her something eternal—the living water of salvation. This term likely confused her at first, as she was thinking in physical terms, but Jesus was speaking of the spiritual renewal that comes through faith in Him.
James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, points out that this verse highlights how often people fail to recognize their deepest need. The Samaritan woman was focused on satisfying her immediate physical thirst, but Jesus was offering something far greater—eternal life. Boice also stresses the phrase “if you knew the gift of God,” noting that many people remain unaware of God’s grace simply because they do not recognize who Jesus truly is. Until the Spirit opens a person’s heart, they will continue searching for satisfaction in the wrong places.
For us, this verse serves as a reminder that Jesus is the only source of true fulfillment. We often chase after things that we believe will satisfy us—success, relationships, material wealth—but only Jesus can quench our soul’s deepest thirst. He freely offers the gift of salvation to all who recognize their need and come to Him in faith.
Reflection Questions:
- What does Jesus mean by “living water”? How is it different from physical water?
- Are there things in your life that you turn to for fulfillment instead of Christ?
- How can you help others recognize the gift of God and their need for the living water that Jesus offers?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for offering the gift of living water—eternal life and true satisfaction in You. Open our eyes to recognize our need for You and to turn away from things that can never truly satisfy. Help us to see You for who You are and to share this incredible gift with others. May we thirst for You above all else, knowing that only You can quench the longing in our souls. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 