“So Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well.” (John 4:6)

Christ knew no lack when he ruled from heaven, but while journeying through Samaria the Creator was thirsty, needy, wanting. Allowing himself to be dependent on others, shielding his omnipotence, he positioned himself inside of time and space, accepting our limitations as his own.

His actions demonstrate love on the cross and love spilled out by the well; thirst on lips that spoke every drop of water into existence; weariness within the arms of the One who held galaxies in his grasp.

Through him we learn all about sacrificial surrender poured out by the gallon. Christ never reconsidered when he contemplated the cost of the manger, or the cross, or the parched path he had to press through on his journey from one to the other. In contrast, we grumble at the slightest inconvenience we are called to endure. We quibble, “Do you really want me to give this up for you? Are you sure there isn’t someone better equipped for this task?”

When Christ asked the Samaritan for a drink, it opened the way for him to give her himself. Likewise, whatever sacrifice he might ask of us presents an enormous opportunity for us to experience far more of the height, depth, and breadth of his unconditional, all-encompassing love. He is Living Water, rushing inside, swirling within our hearts and renewing our minds. When we are tempted to shrink from what lies ahead, let us drink even more deeply of the One who is “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14b).