5.3 “Sir, Give Me This Water”
Living Water: From Physical Need to Spiritual Healing

To what extent does Ezekiel 36:25–27 reflect the truth that Jesus wanted to convey to Nicodemus and the woman at the well?

Ezekiel 36:25–27 describes God’s promise of inner renewal: He will cleanse His people, give them a new heart and a new spirit, and enable them to walk in His ways. This promise reflects the profound truth that Jesus intended to convey to both Nicodemus and the woman at the well—the necessity of spiritual transformation and a new life that flows from a direct connection to God.

Like Nicodemus, the woman at the well struggled to understand Jesus’ words in a spiritual sense. Both initially thought on a worldly level: Nicodemus took rebirth literally as a return to the womb, and the woman imagined that the “living water” could free her from the daily trip to the well. However, Jesus’ message went far beyond that. He spoke not only of an external fulfillment but of an internal one—a source of life that flows in the soul and never runs dry.

Her request, “Lord, give me this water,” shows us a deep need for renewal and redemption that exists within every person. Even though the woman did not initially fully understand what Jesus was offering, she felt that His words contained a solution for her inner thirst—a fulfillment that goes beyond physical needs.

Just as God promises a new heart and a new spirit in Ezekiel, Jesus shows that the living water—the Spirit of God—can become a source of eternal life in every person. This inner transformation, which fills us with new strength and a “fleshly heart,” is still an invitation to us today. Jesus’ words remind us that true peace and true fulfillment are only possible through a close relationship with God and the presence of His Spirit.

Read John 4:16. How did Jesus respond to the woman’s request?

When the woman asked for the “living water,” Jesus suddenly changed the subject and asked her to call her husband. This sudden shift shows that Jesus looked beyond the outer words and knew the woman’s heart. He knew that she was seeking healing and renewal, but that she first needed to honestly acknowledge her life situation and inner wounds.

By asking her to bring her husband, Jesus touched a hidden area of her life. This request was not a condemnation but an invitation to self-reflection. To truly receive the renewal and the “living water,” she had to face her reality and acknowledge her needs and faults. Ellen White writes that she needed to “recognize her sin and her Redeemer” before she could receive the gift of living water (SDL 168).

Jesus’ approach reminds us that spiritual healing often begins with confronting ourselves and honestly recognizing our challenges, faults, and inner struggles. By addressing her situation, Jesus demonstrated His deep insight and love, as He did not condemn her but gently led her on the path to healing. His actions teach us that true spiritual growth and renewal often lie in the willingness to face our inner barriers and approach God with openness and honesty.

The encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well, and His invitation to receive the “living water,” also speaks to a deep spiritual truth in our daily lives. The promise of a “new heart” and “living water” shows that true renewal and fulfillment flow from an authentic connection to God and that this begins with inner honesty.

1. Renewal and Self-Recognition: The woman at the well had to honestly examine her life situation and challenges to accept Jesus’ offer of healing and renewal. Similarly, in our lives, we often need to confront the hidden areas of our hearts—whether they are insecurities, fears, or unresolved problems. When we are willing to bring these areas before God, His healing power can work where we need renewal the most.

2. Inner Thirst for Meaning and Fulfillment: In daily life, we often feel an inner emptiness or dissatisfaction that worldly things alone cannot satisfy. Jesus’ offer of the “living water” reminds us that this thirst for peace, joy, and meaning can only be quenched in a relationship with Him. Instead of seeking fulfillment in external things, we are invited to continually turn to God and experience new strength and inner satisfaction through Him.

3. Transformation by the Spirit of God: Just as God promises a new heart and a new spirit in Ezekiel, we also experience, in our faith journey, that God wants to transform us from within through the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that strengthens us, solidifies our values, and helps us lead a life in harmony with God’s ways.

4. Courage for Honesty: Jesus’ request for the woman to bring her husband was an invitation to honesty, which is a prerequisite for healing. Developing this honesty with ourselves and with God can be challenging but is crucial for spiritual growth. When we are willing to honestly reflect and acknowledge our weaknesses and needs, we create space for God’s healing work in our lives.

In daily life, this means regularly taking time for reflection and prayer to entrust our inner struggles to God and seek His healing presence. Jesus’ words to the woman at the well remind us that renewal and true living water are always available when we approach Him with openness and trust.

An open heart and an honest prayer can be the beginning of true renewal.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-the-testimony-of-the-samaritans-5-3-sir-give-me-this-water-themes-in-the-gospel-of-john-living-faith/

October 29, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 2

¹ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

⁷ And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:

²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:

²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

⁴² And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

The second chapter of the Acts of the Apostles narrates one of the most significant events in early Christianity: the miracle of Pentecost. Pentecost becomes the birth of the Christian community when the Holy Spirit descends upon the gathered disciples, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel in various languages. This event is so astounding that a large crowd from different nations gathers to witness the power of the Spirit. Peter boldly steps forward as the speaker and explains to the assembled people the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This sermon and the powerful outpouring of the Spirit mark the beginning of a completely new community of believers – the first Christian church. The events in this chapter show that God’s Spirit is alive and active in the world, uniting all people who turn to Him in faith.

Commentary:

The Pentecost event in Acts 2 is significant and foundational for understanding the Christian community and the work of the Holy Spirit in multiple ways. The apostles and disciples had gathered in Jerusalem, and when the Spirit descended, He not only filled them personally but collectively empowered them to proclaim the Gospel. This demonstrates that the Spirit strengthens not only individual relationships with God but also binds the community of believers together and equips them to spread the message.

The sound of the wind and the tongues of fire that rest on the gathered people are powerful symbols of God’s presence and power. In the Old Testament, fire often symbolizes God’s holiness and purifying power, while the wind represents God’s life-giving breath. The fact that all present are empowered by the Spirit to speak in various languages shows that God’s message transcends all cultural and linguistic barriers. This “speaking in tongues” does not serve to confuse but to reveal, allowing the listeners to hear “the mighty works of God” in their own languages. This serves as a symbolic reversal of the Tower of Babel’s language confusion and reveals that God’s Spirit brings unity within diversity.

Peter steps forward with the eleven other apostles and preaches with new, Spirit-filled conviction. His words are not only explanatory but also prophetic. He quotes the prophet Joel to show that the Spirit’s work fulfills God’s promise. This prophetic outpouring of the Spirit includes all believers, regardless of age, gender, or social status. This is a revolutionary idea that establishes the church as an inclusive community of all believers.

Peter directly calls the audience to account for Jesus’ fate. He addresses the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, explaining that God has made this Jesus both “Lord and Christ.” This clear proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection and authority deeply moves the listeners. They ask, “What shall we do?” Peter responds by calling them to repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Here, baptism becomes a sign of entering into the community of believers and a prerequisite for receiving the Spirit.

The second part of this chapter describes the formation and structure of the first Christian community. This community is characterized by shared life, teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer. The believers share their possessions, help one another, and spend much time together. The generosity and unity of this first community strongly contrast with the surrounding society’s self-centeredness and social isolation. A picture of community emerges, shaped by God’s Spirit, which serves as a model for Christian communities today.

The Pentecost event in Acts 2 is portrayed not merely as a one-time historical event but as the beginning of the Spirit’s ongoing work. The Spirit’s power manifests not only in miracles and signs but especially in the unity and dedication of the community. Pentecost marks a turning point when the Gospel goes out to all people, a dynamic community of faith emerges, and God’s Spirit continually works to strengthen faith and create community. The daily addition of believers to the community shows that the Spirit works in people’s hearts, drawing them to repentance and faith in Christ.

Summary:

Acts Chapter 2 describes the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and its transformative impact on the disciples and the listeners. The Spirit fills the apostles and enables them to speak in various languages so that people from different nations can hear the message. Peter delivers a powerful sermon, calling the people to repentance and baptism, which leads to the formation of the first Christian community. This community lives in unity, shares their possessions, and remains steadfast in the apostles’ teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer. The Pentecost event marks the beginning of a new era of faith, where God’s Spirit unites people across all cultural boundaries and calls them to live as witnesses of the Gospel.

 

 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/29-10-2024-acts-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/