Greetings and it’s so good to be together on Tuesday!
This week in “New Normal” our focus is on our spirits. As people we are “body, mind, and spirit”. Just as there are healthy choices we can make for our bodies and minds, there are positive changes we can decide for our spirits.
Our guiding texts are from the Gospel of John, John 4:3-15 and John 7:37-39. The promise Jesus offers in these Scriptures is “living water”. The invitation Jesus gives, “Come and drink”.
On Tuesday in the Pastor’s Workshop we briefly look at the literary structure of the texts. We also quickly review the cultural and historical background of the Scriptures.
John 4:3-15 is a personal encounter of Jesus and a Samaritan woman.
Verses 3-6 set the stage. Jesus is on a journey from Judea in the south to Galilee in the north. His route passes through Samaria, which was a “no man’s land” for the Jews of his day. He’s hot and tired and stops for a rest. He’s thirsty and needs a drink.
A woman comes to the well and there is a dialogue that has three exchanges.
Verses 7-9 are Jesus’ initial request and the woman’s rebuff. Jesus asks for a drink. We all know “thirst” and have made this “ask”. The woman’s reply reflects cultural mores of the day. Jews don’t speak to Samaritans. Men don’t address women. This first exchange shows how Jesus is breaking through cultural barriers. God’s invitation for “living water” goes out to all.
Verses 10-12 are Jesus’ invitation with a promise and the woman’s attention to the problems. Jesus says, “If you knew the gift of God and who was asking you… you would have asked Him for a drink. And he would have given you living water”. The woman replies you have no bucket and the well is deep. Where do you get “living water”? In this part of the exchange you sense her curiosity growing.
Verses 13-15 are Jesus’ assurance and the woman’s ask. Jesus says, “The water I shall give will become a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The woman finally requests, “Sir, give me this water.”
You see how the dialogue moves from a point of “refusal to engage” to a point of “requesting to receive”. The Scripture invites us to make that same “spiritual journey” when it comes to “living water” and God’s Holy Spirit.
The second text, John 7:37-39 makes the association of “living water” and the Holy Spirit. The setting is the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2). The climax of the feast occurred in the “Water Gate” of Jerusalem. The Water Gate was one of the eight gates into the city. It was a gate that led to the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley, a source of fresh water for the people. The Water Gate was also the setting in Nehemiah 8:16-18 where the Jews brought branches, built tabernacles (shelters) and were refreshed as a covenant people by the reading of the Law.
In this historic setting Jesus stands and addresses the crowd. “Come to me and drink” (verse 37). “He who believes in Me … out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. He spoke this concerning the Holy Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (verse 38-39). It’s a powerful invitation and promise.
“Living Water” is a theme in John. These two texts invite us through private encounter and public proclamation to have our human spirits refreshed and renewed by God’s Holy Spirit.
In the hope of that blessing I invite you to study these Scriptures more closely. Make your notes. Listen deeply for how they would speak to you of a spiritual gift that is yours in Christ.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the opportunity to spend time in the Scriptures, studying your Word . Open our eyes that we might see visions of truth you have for us. In that light lead us forward that we might live more fully and faithfully in your grace. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen