Living Water
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer:
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 4:1-26 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Meditatio (Meditation)
In John 4:1-26, we find Jesus on a journey through Samaria. Now, to understand the significance of this journey, we need to grasp the cultural context. Jews typically avoided Samaria, choosing longer routes to bypass it due to deep-seated prejudices and historical animosities. However, Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, knew that He had to go through Samaria. It wasn't just a geographical necessity; it was a divine appointment waiting to happen.
As Jesus sat by the well, weary from His journey, a Samaritan woman approached to draw water. Here we see the beauty of Jesus' character - He initiates a conversation with her, breaking through cultural barriers and societal norms. In doing so, He reveals His true identity as the Messiah, the one who offers living water, a metaphor for eternal life and spiritual nourishment.
The woman, initially taken aback by Jesus' boldness, soon realizes that He is no ordinary man. He sees beyond her external circumstances and into the depths of her soul. He knows her past, her struggles, her pain, yet He meets her with grace and compassion. Jesus not only offers the Samaritan woman living water but also brings conviction and healing to her heart. Through His words, He exposes her need for spiritual fulfillment, gently leading her to repentance and faith.
Take a moment to reflect on the words you have read. Consider the significance of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman. Notice the cultural and social barriers that existed between them, yet Jesus initiates a conversation with her, revealing His deep understanding and compassion.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
We often find ourselves next to empty wells searching for fulfillment in the wrong places—chasing after temporary pleasures that leave us empty and longing for more. Yet, Jesus offers us something far greater than anything this world can provide. He offers us living water—His presence, His love, and His grace—that satisfies our deepest longings and sustains us for eternity. This living water springs up within us, nourishing our souls and quenching our spiritual thirst.
Take a moment to consider the symbolism of the well and the living water that Jesus offers. Reflect on your own spiritual thirst and the ways in which you seek fulfillment in the world around you. How does Jesus' offer of living water resonate with the deepest longings of your soul?
Actio (Action)
Just as Jesus knew the woman's past and offered her forgiveness and acceptance, He knows each of us intimately. He sees our struggles, our failures, and our deepest desires. Like the Samaritan woman, we too have moments when Jesus meets us right where we are. And He offers us the same invitation—to drink deeply from the well of His love and experience true satisfaction.
Take a moment to consider the transformation that occurs in the Samaritan woman's life as a result of her encounter with Jesus. Reflect on how Jesus meets you in your brokenness and offers you grace and healing. What would it look like to accept the invitation to drink deeply from the well of His love?
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Heavenly Father, in the midst of our busy lives, help us to recognize the divine appointments You orchestrate for us. Grant us the courage to embrace these moments with open hearts and receptive spirits, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman at the well. May Your living water quench our thirst, fill us with Your love, and empower us to walk faithfully in Your ways. Amen.