Day 12 — Living Water

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.’”

— John 4:13–14 (BSB)

Have you ever been really, really thirsty? Maybe after running around outside on a hot day? A cold glass of water is the best thing in the world. But a few hours later, you’re thirsty again.

One day Jesus was traveling through a region called Samaria. He was tired from walking, so He sat down beside an old well. A woman came to get water, and Jesus asked her, “Give Me a drink.”

She was shocked. She said, “You are a Jew. How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” In those days, Jews and Samaritans didn’t get along at all. They avoided each other. Most Jewish teachers wouldn’t even speak to a woman like her in public. But Jesus didn’t care about those walls. He cared about her.

Then Jesus told her about a different kind of water: living water. “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.”

What was He talking about? Jesus knew this woman was thirsty on the inside. She had tried to find happiness in relationships, but her life was full of hurt, and people in town looked down on her. She was thirsty for love, for acceptance and for something that would really satisfy.

Lots of people are thirsty like that. They try to fill up with popularity, stuff, winning, followers or fun. Those things can feel good for a while. But then you’re thirsty again. Only Jesus can satisfy the deepest thirst of your heart. He gives new life that keeps springing up, like a fountain that never runs dry.

The woman was so excited that she left her water jar behind and ran back to town. She told everyone, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!” And many people came to believe in Jesus because of her.

Jesus crossed every wall to reach one thirsty woman. He will cross every wall to reach you too.

Think about it: What do people your age try to “drink from” to feel happy or important? Does it last?

Try this: Every time you drink water today, say a quick prayer: “Jesus, You are the only one who satisfies me.”

Dear Jesus, thank You that You crossed every wall to reach the woman at the well. Thank You for Your living water. When I try to fill up on things that don’t last, remind me that only You can satisfy my heart. In Your name, Amen.