Introduction:

1. The strength of any analogy depends on the strength of the reality to which its components are attached.

2. In the hierarchy of needs, water is second only to oxygen.

3. We will do whatever we must to quench our thirst when it arises.

4. This earthly reality makes this a high-powered word picture.

Discussion:

I. Thirsty Souls

A. This is a recurring analogy in Scripture to describe the longings of human hearts (Psalms 42:1-2; 63:1; Matthew 5:6; John 7:37).

B. Every soul thirsts, but few find the living water to quench it.

II. The Well of Living Water (John 4:4-14)

A. Jesus created an interaction with one such thirsty soul (4:4-8).

B. Asking for a drink of water, He used her curiosity to introduce her to the living water springing up to eternal life (4:7-10).

C. Incredulous, she asked how He planned to draw that water (4:11-12).

D. He then revealed the other-worldly nature of this water (4:13-14, 16-26).

III. The Imperative of Drinking the Living Water (4:14-15; 7:37-39)

A. It is insufficient to know where to find living water.

B. Just as a bottle of water left in the refrigerator will not quench thirst, the living water left in the well will leave our souls thirsty.

C. The way in which we drink of the living water is by continually believing in Him thereby receiving the Spirit (7:38-39; Acts 2:38-39).

1. As we continue pondering all that Jesus is and does through these word pictures in John, He will occupy more and more of our hearts.

2. Jesus is the only well from which the living water may be drawn.

3. Will we come draw this living water and drink, or will we stubbornly refuse and let our souls die of thirst?

4. As they say, you can drive a soul to water, but you can’t make it drink.