John 4:6-10 JESUS was tired from the long walk in the hot sun and sat wearily beside the well. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and JESUS asked her for a drink. HE was alone at the time as HIS disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a “despised Samaritan” for anything---usually they wouldn’t even speak to them!—and she remarked about this to Jesus. HE replied: “If you only knew what a wonderful gift GOD has for you, and who I am, you would ask ME for some living water. [Living Bible Translation]
The Samaritans and the Jews
In John 4:7 JESUS encounters a woman at a well. HE asks her for drink. The woman is surprised. If fact, she is a bit shocked that HE would speak to her. She only saw “a Jew.” In turn, she thought HE only saw a “despised Samaritan.” But, in fact, JESUS saw her and all her wellness needs.
To understand why the woman at the well in John 4:7-10 had such a strong reaction to Jesus asking her for a drink of water, it helps to understand a little about the history of the hostility between the Jews to the Samaritans. This hostility probably existed at least 800 years before this woman met JESUS.
The Hostility
After the death of King Solomon (around 922 B.C.), the twelve tribes of Israel, which had been united under King David and King Solomon, divided into two kingdoms—a Northern kingdom and a Southern Kingdom. Each Kingdom had its own king. One of the kings of the Northern kingdom purchased a hill upon which he built a city called Samaria. Later the whole region became known as “Samaria.” See, David Carson’s “Who Are The Samaritans,” www.davcarson.home.mindspring.com.
In later years, when the Assyrians conquered Samaria and deported the people to Assyria, the Samarians intermarried with people outside their race and religion. This resulted in the Samarian practicing a “blended religion,” since they adopted some of the religious beliefs of the people with whom they intermarried. This also resulted in the Jews thinking of the Samaritan as not being “pure” in race or religion. Later when the people of the Southern Kingdom (after their return from exile to Babylon) returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple, one of the Samaritan leaders, Sanballat, was told that he could not take part in the rebuilding. Sanballat became angry, which purportedly led to the Samaritans building their own temple of worship in Samaria, separate from the temple in Jerusalem. The fact that the Samaritans did not accept Jerusalem as the one true place of worship increased the friction between the Samaritans and the Jews even more. Over the years the animosity worsened.
JESUS and the Samaritan Woman
By the time JESUS met the Samaritan woman, the general bitterness between Jews and Samaritans had grown to open hatred. Not only was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus would ask her for anything, but even the disciples were surprised that HE was talking “with her.” See, John 4:27. However, during this brief encounter, the Samaritan woman came to accept JESUS as “THE MESSIAH” (i.e., THE SAVIOR). Although the Samaritan woman came to draw liquid water, she was at the right place at the right time to meet someone who could give her something far better, spiritual wellness---living water (i.e. eternal life).
Drinking Water for Physical Health and to Reduce Stress
There are a number of reasons why water is important to health. Our body is composed of roughly 60% water, so it makes sense that water is important for our bodily systems to function well. Water aids digestion, it is important in the creation of saliva, the maintenance of body temperature, the transportation of nutrients, the lubrication and cushion of joints and water helps rid the body of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movement. See, “Why Drink More Water, See 6 Health Benefits of Water,” by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, www.wedmd.com.
It turns out that water can also help reduce stress. In “The Healthy Wonder of Water, Water and Stress Reduction: Sipping Stress Away,” Gina Shaw states: “If you’re looking for a simple way to unwind from your stress-filled life, try this: drink a glass of water.” See, “The Healthy Wonder of Water, Water and Stress Reduction: Sipping Stress Away,” by Gina Shaw, reviewed by Dr. Brunilda Nazario, www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-water-9/stress-reduction. According to Shaw, the link between drinking water and stress reduction is well documented. Amanda Carlson, RD, director of performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance, a trainer of world-class athletes says that studies have shown that just a half a liter dehydration can increase your cortisol levels:
“Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying in a good hydrated status can keep your stress levels down. When you don’t give your body the fluids it needs, you’re putting stress on it, and it’s going to respond to that.”
Shaw notes that drinking plenty of water throughout the day will not solve your money problems, make your deadlines at work disappear or solve the problems your kids may be having, (or reduce your other mental anxieties), but if you are already stressed by coping with all these other things, “you don’t need the additional stress of dehydration” added to your burden.
One of the ways that Shaw suggests that you determine whether you are dehydrated is to “look at the [toilet] bowl” the next time you use the bathroom: “If the urine is dark in color and has a pungent smell,” Shaw suggests that you are probably dehydrated. The darker the urine and the stronger the smell, the more dehydrated you are. Be mindful, however, that a mere visual urine test does not always yield 100% actuate results—some medications, vitamins and even some foods (e.g. beets, carrots, asparagus, and blueberries) can sometimes cause colorful urine. If you are concerned about your water intake (excessive thirst, fatigue or frequent urination can be symptoms of diabetes) or your lack of water intake, or even the color or your urine, you should ALWAYS consults your own physician, especially if you already have a medical condition.
Drink “For Life”
Just as physical “thirst” can be harmful to the body, especially during times of stress, so unquenched “spiritual thirst” can be harmful to the soul.
If you want to “refresh” your life, meditate on the advice JESUS gives the Samaritan woman:
GOD is a SPIRIT: and they that worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and in truth.
See John 4:24.
By talking and listening to JESUS, the woman went from physical water to finding THE FOUNTAIN of SPIRITUAL LIFE. And, at the end of the conversation, just like other disciples (e.g. Peter, James, John, Andrew, Matthew), the woman left her earthly possession behind, and excitedly went to spread the good news about JESUS. (See, John 4:28:29.) She too became a disciple.
The Jewish toast “L’Chayim” means “to Life.” JESUS’ offer of HIMSELF, “LIVING WATER,” is “for life.”
The OFFER is “still good.” HE sees each one of us. HE knows every single need. HIS invitation to drink is still open. We need only drink up.
So, today, drink up, drink in (physical water), be well and BE BLESSED!
