Lenten Devotional - Day Ten

Scripture: John 4:9-10

“The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common 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." (John 4:9-10)

  Samaritans and Jews were viewed differently in Bible times. Samaritans were often a hated mixed race. They had a reputation of a sinful life and kept to themselves as others typically shunned them. Samaritans were to be avoided. They just didn't mix well in the society of Jews.

  In this passage, a Jew named Jesus, asks the Samaritan woman for a drink of water. This was unheard of. Thirsty or not a Jew should just move on and ignore a Samaritan. Even the Samaritan woman questioned him like he had lost his senses.

  Often our society sees these differences among the addicted and non-addicted. The non-addicted keep their distances because they don't live this life of sin that is carried with addiction. Often the addicted feels different themselves. They may even feel shamed and unworthy of the life that the non-addicted lives.

  In this scripture differences are put aside. The woman is no longer just a Samaritan and Jesus is no longer a Jew. Together they are two of God's chosen people meeting together at a well. Jesus teaches the woman about another type of water called living water. The living water is one available to everyone regardless of their afflictions. Once this spiritual water is tasted, one is no longer thirsty.

  The living water of God's gospel is intended for every person. It isn't rationed by race, social position or sins. We all are called to reach out crossing all barriers to share the gospel. Although we can share this living water it does not come from us. Only Jesus can give this gift that satisfies our soul's desire to never thirst again. Our thirst is forever quenched by just knowing Jesus. Come and drink in this Lenten season of renewal. Jesus is calling you.

Lynn Mance, Contributor

Remember in Prayer: All who are thirsty for the living water. 

Click Here PDF - Day Ten Devotion

Informational Resources

  NIDA TV is a video library system on the drugabuse.gov website: www.drugabuse.gov/nida-tv which delivers NIDA's (National Institute on Drug Abuse) current science-based information in a consolidated location. NIDA TV allows videos to be more accessible through playlist categories including, NIDA Research, Director's Remarks and a new forum for scientists called, "I-Science."