“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:17, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well exemplifies divine grace, salvation’s transformative power, and the call to share living water with all. This narrative guides us in witnessing, urging compassion and leading others to Christ amid a thirsty world.

WELL OF WONDERS!

The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well is a powerful demonstration of divine grace, the deep longings of the human heart, and the life-changing power of salvation. Recorded in John chapter 4, this meeting shows us the immeasurable compassion of Christ and His mission to give living water to everyone—no matter their social standing, ethnic background, or spiritual condition. For us this story is more than just an event from the past. It is a pattern for how we should win souls. It teaches us to meet people where they are, to understand what they truly need, and to gently guide them to the endless source of salvation. Let us delve into this encounter, seeking wisdom and guidance for our own service.

Ellen G. White states it clearly: “Christ did not refuse to converse with the Samaritan woman because of her nationality and religious bigotry. In His treatment of her, He exemplified the love that should dwell in the hearts of all His followers. The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down and presented only to a select few whom we suppose will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 194, 1898). “As soon as she had found the Saviour, the Samaritan woman brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. But Jesus shows how a work of reaping may be right before them.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898).

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV). The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30, KJV). Ellen G. White explains: “The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She further notes: “Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin.” (Faith and Works, p. 100, 1979). As we begin, may we reflect on how we can embody this inclusive love in our own ministries. What does the humility of the Savior teach us about approaching others with compassion?

SAVIOR’S HUMBLE HEART!

Jesus’ travel through Samaria was no accident. His choice to be in Sychar, resting at Jacob’s well, reveals His deep humility and His commitment to reach those who were lost. This was not the usual path; it was a path of intentional outreach. John 4:6 tells us, “Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.” Philippians 2:7-8 further explains this profound humility: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Sr. White adds to our understanding, noting in The Desire of Ages, p. 183: “As Jesus sat by the well side, He was faint from hunger and thirst. The journey since morning had been long, and now the sun of noontide beat upon Him. His thirst was increased by the thought of the cool, refreshing water so near, yet inaccessible to Him; for He had no rope nor water jar, and the well was deep.” We gain additional insight from Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 190: “The Lord Jesus, in His infinite mercy, humbles Himself to meet the sinner in their need, and, without condemnation, offers them the water of life freely.”

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (Proverbs 22:4, KJV). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10, KJV). Ellen G. White writes: “A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world.” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 20, 1958). She also states: “All spiritual things are to be treated with sacred dignity. Humility and meekness are in accordance with the life of Christ, but they are to be shown in a dignified way.” (Evangelism, p. 630, 1946). Do we always begin with humility? Do we strive to understand the struggles of others before we offer them Christ? We must consider this as we seek to emulate our Savior’s approach. What does the gift of salvation reveal about our spiritual renewal?

SALVATION’S GIFT GALORE!

When Jesus spoke to the woman about “living water,” He was not talking about physical water that quenches thirst for a time. He was offering spiritual renewal, a gift of salvation that changes the heart and soul forever. This water satisfies a deeper, more profound need within us. John 4:10 records Jesus’ words: “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” Isaiah 55:1 calls out to all: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Revelation 21:6 assures us, “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Sr. White explains in The Desire of Ages, p. 187: “He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee.” Further insight from The Desire of Ages, p. 480, reminds us: “Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every soul touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to heal the brokenhearted.”

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1, KJV). And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. (Revelation 21:6, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms: “The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She also notes: “Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin.” (Faith and Works, p. 100, 1979). Christ’s living water truly satisfies the soul’s deepest thirst. This living water is not a one-time event. It is a constant source of spiritual refreshment, continually available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How does the continual need for Christ challenge our understanding of spiritual provision?

CHRIST’S ENDLESS NEED!

The woman’s first reaction in John 4:15— “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw”—shows that she still missed the point. She was thinking only of a physical solution to a spiritual problem. Like ancient Israel in the wilderness, she struggled to see God’s spiritual provision. John 4:15 states her request: “The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” We remember Israel’s experience in Psalm 78:15-16: “He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.” Sr. White reminds us in The Desire of Ages, p. 187: “He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else.”

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (John 15:4, KJV). If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7, KJV). Ellen G. White explains: “The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 676, 1898). She further states: “Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 676, 1898). Are we deeply drinking from Christ’s living water each day? Or are we still trying to find satisfaction in the broken systems of this world, things that can never truly satisfy? This is a vital question for each of us to consider personally. How does conviction and grace guide us to repentance in our journey?

GRACE’S GENTLE CONVICT!

In John 4:16-18, Jesus gently brings up the woman’s sin. His purpose is not to condemn her, but to lovingly guide her to repentance and a new life. This approach shows His grace-filled method of soul transformation. John 4:16-18 recounts this pivotal moment: “Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” Sr. White explains in The Desire of Ages, p. 187: “Before this soul could receive the gift He longed to bestow, she must be brought to recognize her sin and her Saviour.” Jesus’ knowledge of her past life surprised and maybe even shocked her. Instead of instantly repenting, she tried to change the subject, starting a theological argument about where people should worship (John 4:20). This shows how easily we can deflect from personal issues to abstract debates. Christ’s perfect knowledge of our sins is always matched by His profound desire to save us completely. In John 4:26, Jesus declares, “Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” Jesus directly reveals Himself as the Messiah. This is a moment of immense hope and salvation offered to someone who recognized their deep spiritual need. This revelation is for all who come to Him, acknowledging their own brokenness.

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (John 16:8, KJV). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8, KJV). Ellen G. White writes: “The conviction of sin is the first step in reconciliation to God.” (Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888). She also states: “The grace of God is the convicting power. By it men are convicted of sin and brought to repentance.” (Education, p. 259, 1903). How do these concepts reflect God’s love in our lives?

GOD’S BOUNDLESS LOVE!

This entire encounter is a beautiful reflection of God’s boundless love for each of us. From seeking out the woman to offering her living water, every action of Jesus displays divine love in action. God’s love is shown through His initiative to meet us in our brokenness and offer us complete spiritual healing. Isaiah 41:17 speaks to this: “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Sr. White adds depth in The Desire of Ages, p. 480: “The distress of every soul touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim deliverance to the captives, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” God’s love is not passive. It is active, seeking, and deeply personal. He sees our thirst, our need, and He comes to us, just as Jesus went to the Samaritan woman. His love offers not just temporary relief, but everlasting satisfaction and freedom from spiritual captivity. This is a love that pursues us relentlessly until we find true life in Him.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms: “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.” (Lamentations 3:25, KJV, but quote her: “God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing.” (Steps to Christ, p. 77, 1892). She also notes: “Those who at Pentecost were endued with power from on high, were not thereby freed from further temptation and trial. As they witnessed for truth and righteousness they were repeatedly assailed by the enemy. From every quarter came fierce temptations to silence their testimony. But they obeyed God rather than men.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49, 1911). How does recognizing the depth of God’s love inspire our responsibility to Him?

SEEK GOD’S THRONE!

Recognizing the depth of God’s love and the gift of living water, our hearts should be filled with gratitude and a desire to respond faithfully. Our responsibility is to continually draw from this living water and to live in a way that honors the giver. Our primary responsibility to God is to continually seek Him as the source of our spiritual life and to live out the transformation He works in us. Psalm 42:1-2 expresses this longing: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Sr. White emphasizes in The Desire of Ages, p. 187: “He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else.” Just as the Samaritan woman left her waterpot, we are called to leave behind the things that do not truly satisfy and to fully embrace Christ. Our lives should reflect this deep, ongoing thirst for God, and our actions should be a testimony to the life-changing water we have received. This means daily seeking Him in prayer and study, and allowing His Spirit to guide our steps in every area of life.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (Psalm 42:1, KJV). My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2, KJV). Ellen G. White writes: “The more we seek to understand God’s love, the more we marvel. How such love can be bestowed upon us—the recipients of so much favor!” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 740, 1889). She also states: “The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 324, 1898). What responsibility do we have to our neighbors in sharing this living water?

SHARE WITH NEIGHBORS!

The Samaritan woman, once transformed, immediately went to share her newfound joy and knowledge with her community. This spontaneous outreach is a powerful example for us. We, too, are called to share the living water with those around us, becoming channels of God’s grace to others. Our responsibility to our neighbors is to become living fountains, sharing the living water of Christ with everyone we encounter, regardless of their background or status. Proverbs 11:25 encourages us: “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Sr. White powerfully states in The Desire of Ages, p. 195: “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver.” We are not just to receive the living water for ourselves. We are meant to become distributors of this water to a thirsty world. Like the Samaritan woman, we should be eager to invite others to “come, see a man.” Our lives, transformed by Christ, should be a compelling invitation for others to experience the same saving grace. This means actively looking for opportunities to share our faith, to offer help and compassion, and to lead others to the source of living water.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19, KJV). And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms: “The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 194, 1898). She also notes: “Those who have been most successful in soul-winning were men and women who did not pride themselves on their ability, but who in humility and faith sought to help those about them. Jesus did this very work. He came close to those whom He desired to reach.” (Gospel Workers, p. 194, 1915). How do the final reflections on this encounter model effective soul-winning?

SOUL-WINNING REFLECT!

The Samaritan woman’s encounter at Jacob’s well is a model for effective soul-winning. She left her waterpot behind and rushed to tell others, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29). This enthusiastic testimony brought many to believe in Jesus. May we have the same urgency and joy in sharing our faith. John 4:28-29 vividly describes her response: “The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” Isaiah 41:17 offers further encouragement: “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” Sr. White powerfully summarizes in The Desire of Ages, p. 195: “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver.” We are all called to share the living water with everyone around us, becoming missionaries in our daily lives. True discipleship is active and outward-focused. It’s about living in such a way that others see the transforming power of Christ in us and are drawn to Him. Just as the woman’s testimony was simple and personal, ours can be too. Sharing what Christ has done for us is often the most effective way to lead others to Him.

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17, KJV). Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1, KJV). Ellen G. White writes: “The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down. It is for the whole world. Christ calls upon His workers to bring forth the message of salvation to all who are weary and heavy-laden.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She also states: “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). How do these lessons empower us to offer the living water freely?

WATER OF LIFE CALL!

Revelation 22:17 extends this invitation to all: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Sr. White echoes this call in The Desire of Ages, p. 195: “The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down. It is for the whole world. Christ calls upon His workers to bring forth the message of salvation to all who are weary and heavy-laden.” May we, like the Samaritan woman, leave behind our worldly “waterpots” and eagerly share the message: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29). Let us go forth, offering the living water of life to all we meet.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, KJV). In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (John 7:37, KJV). Ellen G. White affirms: “The receiver becomes a giver of eternal life, because the well of water springing up in him represents the life of Christ.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She also notes: “The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 194, 1898). ALL GLORY TO GOD, THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, AMEN!

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14, KJV)

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