In today’s Gospel, the Samaritan woman said to Jesus: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” (John 4:5–26)
Thirst matters. Often a person does not come to God because every point of doctrine is already clear, but because they have grown weary of their endless “journeys to the well”. Some have tried everything to quench their deepest thirst until they finally arrive at the saving prayer: “Lord Jesus, give me this water.” Anyone who has read the Gospel knows that God is most willing to answer such a prayer.
The Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water, but in truth Christ came to the well to receive the woman—not as a possession, but as one who was saved and made new, a child reconciled to God and raised up by him. The woman was looking for water, but she received the Fountain. And this is not merely an ancient story from long ago.
Jesus Christ is the living Lord who speaks to every person today. He still says: “If you knew the gift of God …” He still says: “Give me a drink”—that is, let me enter your life; let me begin. And he still says: “Go, call your husband”—that is, come into the light; allow me to forgive your sins so that you may be free. He still says: “I, the one speaking to you, am he whom your heart most deeply longs for—for you were created in my image to live for ever in joyful fellowship with me. Allow yourself to be found.”
Come and meet Jesus at St Elizabeth’s Church today at 10:00! Afterwards there will be coffee in the confirmation hall, Sunday school for children and confirmation class for older participants. See you there!
