I. The Story (5-9). Time. Noon by Hebrew reckoning, or 6 p.m. by Roman time.
Place. Jacob's well. Bought by him (Gen. xxxiii. 19), burial-place of Joseph (Josh. xxiv. 32).
Persons. Jesus and the woman. He wearied, but, ever ready to do His Father's work, opens conversation. Uses the water, thirst, spring, as illustrations of spiritual truths. He asks her for water. She is surprised, because of national hostility.
II. The Water of Life (10-15). Christ tells of His power to give living water. She thinks He means deep spring water, and asks how it is to be obtained. He then explains His meaning: water—commonest and simplest of all liquids—emblem of gifts and graces of Holy Spirit.
Its source. Gift of God alone. Offered freely to all (Isa. lv. 1).
Its necessity. If any have not God's Spirit, they are not His (Rom. viii. 9).
Its nature. Pure—from God's throne (Rev. xxii. 1). Refreshing—joy of salvation (Ps. li. 12). Healing (Rev. xxii. 2). Satisfying (Isa. lxi. 1). Unfailing—wells of salvation (Isa. xii. 3).
Its results. Everlasting life.
III. Lesson. Drink of this living water which Christ offers to-day.
Living Water.