09-07-08 Sermon Review

Living Water
John 4:10-15

In our last sermon, we went through the conversation that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman rather quickly, and therefore, we were unable to touch upon some of the major topics that are discussed in this passage. One such topic is the teaching concerning living water. To get as much out of Jesus' teaching as possible, we will ask ourselves three very pertinent questions.

What is this living water? - It is the Holy Spirit. Now the reason why I can say this so plainly is because John 7:38-39 makes it pretty clear. Jesus once again uses the imagery of living water, and John clarifies for us that this living water that Jesus speaks of is none other than the Spirit. Jeremiah also used this term calling God the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13). Water is also tied to cleansing and frequently associated with the Holy Spirit such as in Titus 3:5 as well as with the concept of Baptism. By delineating the Holy Spirit as living water, Jesus is emphasizing the regenerating, saving work of the Holy Spirit. This all fits together when we remember that the Holy Spirit is the agent that applies salvation, and that Jesus Christ is sovereign over the Holy Spirit.

How does this living water affect our lives? - It springs up to eternal life! Apart from this living water, we can not know eternal life. The water itself is not eternal life, but the water produces eternal life as suggested by the text. The imagery is quite fitting in that it presupposes that the we have a thirst. What we thirst for is the redemption from our sin, relationship with the Father, and salvation in Jesus Christ, and how the Holy Spirit quenches our thirst is by applying the finished work of Christ upon our lives, cleansing us from sin, and causing us to be born again into a new spiritual being. If we consider this, we realize that Jesus is teaching the Samaritan woman the exact same thing He taught Nicodemus. He did not change the requirements for eternal life, kingdom life. He was consistent with his teaching, whether it was for a high profile Rabbi of the Jews or an unknown woman among the Samaritans.

How then do we obtain this living water? - Jesus simply tells us to ask of Him. There is no price for this living water, and it can not be obtained by works. By inviting her to ask Him for this water in vs 10, Jesus is urging her to trust in His graciousness. If only they would ask, Jesus will give. Now, if it's so easy to obtain eternal life, how is it that many have not taken the offer? And I think the answer is in verse 15. The reason why the Samaritan woman could not obtain this water immediately was because her eyes could only see the physical, blinding her from her spiritual state and the eternal life before her. It was only after Jesus so kindly guided her to see how in need of a Savior she was could she really embrace Christ as the source of life. Many will not take the offer because of their own blindness towards Christ and lust towards the world.

Now, where are you? Have you asked Christ of the living water and satisfied your soul's thirst for God and His life? Or are you like those in Jeremiah's day of whom God said, "They have forsaken Me, the Fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13)? Look, Jesus is here and offers you living water! But it will require you to look at your self and humbly accept your pitiful state. Only those who are broken and contrite will ever plead with the Savior for this living water. For only the broken and contrite can enjoy the satisfaction it brings. Oh taste eternal life and feel the joy it brings! Stay strong and God bless!