5.2 The Woman at the Well
Living Water: Jesus’ Invitation to Inner Renewal

Read John 4:7–15. How did Jesus use this encounter to testify to this woman?

In John 4:7–15, Jesus uses His encounter with the woman at the well in a remarkable way to bear witness to her and lead her to a deeper truth. Despite the long history of hostility between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus deliberately and empathetically approached this woman. Instead of immediately doing something for her, He asked her for a favor, which was a compassionate and wise strategy to build trust. This gesture, as Ellen White describes, awakened a sense of openness in her, as trust is often elicited through trust (see SDL 166).

Jesus saw in her a person who was not only physically but also spiritually thirsty, and so He offered her the “living water” that only God can provide. Her initial reaction was skeptical and earthbound, similar to Nicodemus, who asked how a rebirth was possible. In both cases, Jesus highlighted the necessity of an inner transformation and made it clear that conversion and a connection to God bring the deepest fulfillment for the soul.

Jesus’ approach teaches us that true testimony lies not only in the message but also in the manner of the encounter. His sensitivity to the heart of His counterpart and His respectful addressing of her questions opened the space for a deeper conversation. In this way, He demonstrated that the Gospel is not only conveyed but also lived through listening, empathy, and trust.

What is the Old Testament background of Jesus’ statement about living water (Jeremiah 2:13; Zechariah 14:8)?

Jesus’ statement about “living water” has deep roots in the Old Testament understanding of water as a symbol of life and God’s refreshing presence. In Jeremiah 2:13, God refers to Himself as the “source of living water,” and the people of Israel are criticized for abandoning this source and relying instead on “broken cisterns”—a metaphor for worldly dependencies that ultimately remain empty. This image makes it clear that only God is the true source of life and fulfillment, while human efforts without Him are barren.

Zechariah 14:8 describes a future vision where “living waters” flow from Jerusalem, representing the life-giving and healing presence of God that spreads across the entire earth. This promise of living water shows God’s intention to refresh and renew His people not only physically but also spiritually.

By referencing this image in John 4:14, Jesus reveals Himself as the source of eternal life. He offers the Samaritan woman and all people what, in the deepest sense, grants life and quenches the thirst of the soul—a lasting, renewing connection to God. Thus, the living water Jesus speaks of points to a life in abundance that is only possible through a relationship with Him. The image of water is not merely a symbol but a promise that those who believe in Jesus will never thirst internally again but will carry a constant source of life within them.

Read John 7:37–38. What does Jesus say to us in these verses and how do we experience what He promises here?

In John 7:37–38, Jesus speaks on the last day of the festival and declares, “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” With this powerful image, Jesus invites people to satisfy their spiritual thirst in Him. The promise of “living water” points to the life-giving and renewing power that faith in Jesus can have within us.

What does this mean for us today and how do we experience it?

1. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: Jesus speaks to the deepest needs of the human soul. In faith in Him, we find fulfillment that satisfies the longings of our hearts and grants us inner peace. This inner source acts like “living water” within us, refreshing us not only temporarily but providing lasting satisfaction.

2. Transformation through the Holy Spirit: The “rivers of living water” also refer to the work of the Holy Spirit, who would come to believers after Jesus’ resurrection (John 7:39). Through the Holy Spirit, we experience a profound transformation of our lives. He strengthens us, comforts us, and gives us the power to live out our faith daily and share it with others.

3. Testimony and Sharing: Jesus promises not only that we will be internally fulfilled but also that this “living water” will flow through us to others. When we drink from the source that Jesus Himself is, we have the opportunity to reach others with this divine power and love. Our lives can become a testimony to God’s love and a blessing to others.

In our daily lives, we experience what Jesus promises here through a consistent relationship with Him and the work of the Holy Spirit. By growing in prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers, this power flows within us and through us to others.

The encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well teaches us how our faith can work in everyday life and supply us with spiritual strength. Jesus’ image of “living water” is an invitation to continually connect with God’s refreshing presence and thus experience inner fulfillment.

1. The Source of Fulfillment: In our hectic daily lives, many seek meaning, joy, and fulfillment. Often, material or fleeting things distract us, yet they cannot quench this thirst. Jesus teaches us that true peace and joy lie only in a connection with Him. His invitation to receive the “living water” is a call to regularly find rest in Him so that our souls may be renewed.

2. Transformation through the Holy Spirit: The power of the “living water” becomes tangible through the Holy Spirit, who encourages us in difficult times and helps us remain faithful. By seeking God daily—through prayer, Bible reading, and silence—we allow the Spirit to transform us and provide a new perspective for our lives.

3. Our Faith as a Blessing to Others: Jesus promised that the “living water” can flow through us to others. Our relationship with God should not only strengthen us but also be evident in our environment. In everyday life, we can be a testimony reflecting God’s love through patience, helpfulness, and understanding. Thus, our lives become a living source for others who are also seeking fulfillment.

In practical daily terms, this means regularly “refueling” in Jesus, aligning our lives with Him, and using this spiritual power to be a blessing to others. The encounter with Jesus and His “living water” remind us that faith is not only a personal fulfillment but also a power that flows into our daily lives and impacts the world around us.

Sometimes, it only takes a moment of silence to find the source of inner peace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-2-the-woman-at-the-well-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

The Message of the Book of Acts

The biblical book of Acts tells the story of the early Christians and the formation of the church. It provides an account of the period immediately after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, up until the Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome. The main message of Acts encompasses several central themes:

The Spread of the Gospel

Acts demonstrates how the message of Jesus Christ spread beyond Jerusalem—first to Judea and Samaria, and then to the entire known world. Jesus’ words in the first chapter summarize this mission: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This illustrates that the gospel is universal and reaches all people.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

A central theme in Acts is the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the disciples to proclaim the gospel courageously. At Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit is poured out on the apostles, giving them strength and courage. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the driving force that guides the church and empowers believers to bear witness.

Community and Unity in the Church

The early Christians lived in close community, sharing everything and caring for one another. Acts shows the importance of love and mutual support for the growth and stability of the church. This model of community reveals that the church is not just an institution but a living organism where believers care for each other (Acts 2:42-47).

Witness and Courage in the Face of Persecution

Acts documents how the early Christians faced persecution but remained faithful and continued to spread the gospel. Despite opposition from religious and political authorities, the apostles—especially Peter and Paul—show an unwavering faith and courage. This encourages Christians to stand firm in their faith, even in difficult times.

Inclusion of Gentiles in the Church

Another significant theme is the inclusion of Gentiles (non-Jews) in the church, marking a milestone in early church history. Acts describes how God leads Peter, and later Paul, to bring the message to the Gentiles as well (e.g., Cornelius’ conversion in Acts 10). This shows that God’s love and grace are for all people, regardless of origin or culture.

The Leadership Role of Peter and Paul

Peter and Paul are central figures in Acts as key leaders of the early church. While Peter initially brings the message to the Jews, Paul later becomes known as the “apostle to the Gentiles” and plays a crucial role in spreading the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Their works and sermons illustrate that God can use people, despite their weaknesses, to accomplish great things.

Summary of the Message

Acts is a powerful testimony to God’s work through the Holy Spirit in founding and spreading the church. It demonstrates the power of faith and the transformative impact of the gospel. The book calls Christians to be bold and faithful, to nurture unity and community, and to bring the gospel to all people.

October 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 1

¹ The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

¹⁰ And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.

¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

The first chapter of the Book of Acts marks the transition between the life and ministry of Jesus and the beginning of the early church. Luke, the author of Acts, continues the narrative of his Gospel and addresses his writing to Theophilus. Here, he describes Christ’s ascension, the commission given to the apostles to be witnesses, and the anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s power. This chapter provides a significant insight into the preparation and start of the apostles’ ministry, as they are called to carry the gospel into the world. It prepares the disciples for their upcoming mission and illustrates how God works through His plan to establish and expand the church.

Commentary

The ascension of Jesus, as described in Acts 1, is a central event in the faith of the early Christians. It signifies that Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father and prepares the apostles for the time when they will take on the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel. When the disciples ask Jesus if He will now restore the kingdom to Israel, He explains that it is not their role to know the times or seasons set by the Father but rather that they will receive the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses. The apostles are thus called to expand their perspective from a purely earthly kingdom to a universal Kingdom of God.

After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in unity for prayer, together with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and other disciples. This community of prayer and waiting reflects the deep dedication and unity of the believers, preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. We also see Peter reminding the apostles that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, must be replaced. After prayer and the casting of lots, Matthias is chosen as the twelfth apostle, securing the continuity and integrity of the apostolic fellowship.

Summary

Acts Chapter 1 describes Jesus’ ascension, His final commission to the apostles, and the selection of Matthias to succeed Judas. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit and the apostles’ responsibility to bear witness, not only in Jerusalem but to the ends of the earth. The disciples are called to expand the Kingdom of God and testify to Jesus’ life, laying the foundation for the later spread of Christianity. The disciples’ unity in prayer and their willingness to seek God’s will demonstrate the ideal attitude that should shape the church from its inception.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-10-2024-acts-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/