Jesus Sees Through Our Deflections
Wednesday, March 18
John 4:9-10 (ESV)
“The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
Devotion
This meeting took place at Jacob’s well, dug centuries before, maintained, and providing essential water for the community. Tradition suggests the Samaritan woman’s name was Photini; she was living a life of sin but still benefiting from the well. Photini responded to Jesus’ request for a drink of water with attitude. In today’s verses, she raised social barriers, and then, later on in the conversation, practical, and then religious barriers to deflect and push Jesus away. Have you ever had a conversation like that?
Jesus looked beyond Photini’s attitude and false religious front and got to the heart of the matter. Jesus showed her grace and revealed an offer she should not refuse—and she did not refuse it. She received the conviction of her sin and of Jesus’ righteousness, including His identity as the promised Messiah. Photini’s response was the kind Jesus is looking for, and she was so happy! The living water Jesus spoke of welled up in her and out of her to her community.
Some of us have taken only an occasional drink from the Jesus well, so to speak, living for ourselves and seeking God—or maybe a prayer from a religious relative—only when we are in a difficult situation. Like Photini taking a drink of water from Jacob’s well but missing the living water provided by the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we seek temporary help while remaining in wickedness. Such a person will remain spiritually thirsty, unsatisfied, and ultimately unsaved. In contrast, Psalm 1 describes the person who embraces and lives according to God’s Word as a tree planted by water. They do not just survive; they thrive, bearing fruit and prospering, with roots that run deep and can weather life’s storms.
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your grace to me when I was rebellious and thought I was in a place to question You about truth to justify my sin. I confess that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to convict of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come. Thank You for the promise that if we participate with Jesus in a death like His through repentance and baptism, we will also participate in a resurrection like His. I love You, Lord. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and let Your living water fill me and be used to bring Jesus to my children, my children’s children, and others You bring into my life. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
How does your relationship with God and His Word look in light of Psalm 1? Are you willing, like Photini, to let God show you what’s in your heart? Where is your counsel coming from? Do you delight in God’s Word? Are you thriving, or just surviving? Consider what you might do differently to align more closely with the person described in Psalm 1, and ask God to fulfill its promises in your life.
Resources
- Step into a new level of faith and perspective. Watch “Come Up Here”, and be encouraged!
- Want to grow closer to God and live out His plan for you? Our School of Discipleship equips you to know His Word, strengthen your faith, and embrace your calling. Enroll today!