The church that is the well

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” —John 4:11-12

The Woman at the Well is disenfranchised, distraught and downright dour for good reason—actually, five good reasons. She’s had five husbands and is now with a man who won’t or can’t marry her which is essential for her wellness in her patriarchal world. Speaking of wellness, she’s also at Jacob’s well during the midday heat because she’s been shunned by her community. In more ways than she can imagine, she’s alone.

Or is she? At the well, she meets and questions Jesus. What happens when they’re together is amazing, truly amazing. She is both connected and made well through living water. This gift of living water is the gift of eternity from God alone.

The church today is that well. Every church can be the place where the disenfranchised, distraught and downright dour can go to find what to some cannot be imagined—and that’s life, abundant, good, plentiful life. This life comes through our living Christ, a descendant of Jacob, who gifts those who come to Him with questions that lead to the joy of eternity.

PRAYER: Jesus, continue to guide the church into being the well today. Bless those who support it. Bless those who come to it. Amen.