A Small Voice in a Shouting World

John 4:1-6

When Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptising more disciples than John (though Jesus himself was not baptising, but his disciples were), he left Judea and went again to Galilee. He had to travel through Samaria; so he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar near the property that Jacob had give his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon.

It means: Jesus was getting attention or negative focus from the Pharisees–maybe faster than he wanted, so He left Judea to be more subtle in Galilee. Nothing is by chance, so Samaria was a purposeful visit for Him. The well where he stopped to rest was Jacob’s well, the father of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Listen: At the sixth hour, he sat down by the well, tired and thirsty from traveling. What does the number 6 mean? Six often refers to the works of man, but ideally represents sacrificial love and intimate knowledge with the Creator (from Graceintorah.net). I believe that sacrificial love and intimate knowledge with the Creator is exactly what he soon gives to the woman at the well. Everything has deeper meaning, I’ve learned, than what you see at first glance. Even the time that he visited the well has significant meaning. For an additional example, it is also interesting to note that the town Sychar means to be drunk. I am reminded of scripture that says, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly guided by Him, Ephesians 5:18 Amplified. It is fitting here because the well represents Christ as living water. The 6th hour is also significant because the works of man are often chosen over the precious living water and other treasure that Christ offers.

Let’s continue: Jesus sat by the well, but He is the true well. He shows us here a human quality (his fatigue and thirst) right alongside with His divine quality, i.e., He is the source of water that brings life and refreshes us. Sychar’s meaning is fitting here, you see, He wants us to be filled with His water that He gives not with a man made intoxication! There is a distinct duality happening. The elements in the story represent man’s way and Christ’s way, directions that are in opposition with the other.

As we later look into this passage we will see more amazing hidden truths. Follow me as we daily read through Jesus and the woman at the well. I pray that we look to Him to quench our thirsts, to meet our needs, to satisfy our discontent and to honour Him by doing what He has asks us to do.

In Jesus Name.