Scripture: John 4:11 (ESV) – “The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?’”
The Samaritan woman responds to Jesus with confusion, taking His words about living water in a literal sense. She sees a man sitting by a deep well with no bucket, speaking of offering water. Her question, “Where do you get that living water?”, reveals that she does not yet understand the spiritual reality Jesus is pointing to.
The document emphasizes that this response highlights a common human tendency—to focus on the physical and immediate rather than the spiritual and eternal. Just as Nicodemus struggled to understand the new birth in John 3, this woman struggles to grasp the concept of living water. She is thinking in earthly terms, assuming Jesus is talking about physical water, when in reality, He is offering something far greater—eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.
James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, notes that this verse demonstrates the spiritual blindness that exists apart from divine revelation. The woman does not yet recognize Jesus’ true identity, so she assumes He is speaking of something material. Boice points out that many people today approach Jesus in the same way—they look to Him only for physical provision, success, or comfort, missing the far greater spiritual gift He offers. Until God opens a person’s heart, they will remain focused on the temporary instead of the eternal.
For us, this verse serves as a reminder to examine how we approach Jesus. Are we seeking Him only for what He can give us in this life, or do we recognize that He offers something far greater—living water that satisfies the soul? It also encourages us to be patient with those who do not yet understand spiritual truths, just as Jesus patiently guided the Samaritan woman toward faith.
Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think the Samaritan woman misunderstood Jesus’ words about living water?
- Are there times when you seek Jesus primarily for physical or temporary blessings rather than for the deeper spiritual life He offers?
- How can you help others move from a material understanding of Jesus to a recognition of their spiritual need for Him?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we confess that we often focus on earthly needs and fail to see the deeper spiritual life You offer. Help us to understand that You are the source of living water—the only One who can truly satisfy our souls. Open our hearts and the hearts of those we share the gospel with, so that we may all come to recognize You as the Savior who gives eternal life. In Your name, Amen.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 