Read: John 4:1-25
The
well at which Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman took place was a
significant historical marker for the Jewish people. Known as "Jacob's
Well," it gets its name from the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
God changed Jacob's name to Israel, which would become the name of the nation.
Jacob's well was certainly a source of national pride for the Samaritans, who
were considered "half-breeds" by the Jews. The well's presence in
Samaria helped justify the Samaritans' claim that they were descendants of
Jacob and a legitimate part of the nation.
With
this reference to Jacob's well, John is contrasting the sufficiency of Christ
with the heritage represented by the well. As deep as the well of legacy and
heritage may run, we learn from Jesus that it will always leave you thirsty. He
is the source of "living" water, as opposed to wells dug by dead
ancestors.
Christianity
cannot be inherited from our parents. The faith of our ancestors, while a
treasure for those who come from a Christian background, is not biologically
transferred from one generation to the next. Those who cling to the faith of
their parents or grandparents will be left thirsty. Those wells always run dry.
Many people in our world claim to be Christians. When pressed to define what
they mean, some can offer no more explanation for their faith than their family
heritage. They, like the woman at the well, are spiritually dehydrated. No
matter how much water they seek to draw from their ancestor’s well, it will
never suffice.
Jesus
offers "living water" to all who are thirsty. The source is not found
in wells dug by ancestors, but in Jesus, the Living Water. As you reflect on
your religious heritage, how have you relied on the wells dug by your fathers?
Do you depend on them to quench your spiritual thirst?
Living Water,
Thank You that I do not have
to depend on wells dug by my father to access Your living water. I come to You
thirsty. I know You alone will satisfy me.
No comments:
Post a Comment