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The juxtaposition of John 4:14 and John 19:28 is fascinating to me. The same gospel writer who records Jesus’ words to the woman at the well is the same gospel writer who records some of Jesus’ last words while suffering and dying on the cross for humanity. Isn’t it amazing how Jesus— being fully God and fully man— proclaimed that He Himself was living water, yet He himself was thirsty on the cross? Isn’t it interesting that Jesus told a samaritan woman to drink of his living water because, if she did, she would never again be thirsty, but exclaimed his own thirst while suffering on the tree of calvary?
One might quickly read the previous statements and begin to speculate. “If He was truly God, how could he claim he himself was thirsty? Doesn’t this prove that Jesus was a mere imposter? Who was he to say that he can give eternal satisfaction and everlasting, living water, when he himself yearned for refreshment while on the cross? He must not be quite powerful if He Himself was thirsty at the cross.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
The contrast of John 4:14 in light of John 19:28 is picturesque of Christ’s substitutionary atonement. Being fully God, He promised living water to the samaritan woman. Being fully man, He took her place on Calvary’s hill. Those were her nails; that was her crown of thorns. By his lashes, she was healed. A cup of wrath was traded in for a cup of redemption, forgiveness, and life.
The same is true for you and me today. If you have never trusted in Christ Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I beg you, turn to the Lord before it is too late. He has done all the work on the cross. He was thirsty in your place so that you can drink of the living waters— even today. Simply turn to him, surrendering all that you are to all that He is. Turning from your sin— not just the behavior but the curse that is over your life— and ask Him to adopt you as His Christ.
In this moment, the old you is put to death and new life is born inside of you. He redeems you and make things right and just in the eyes of the Father. You are gifted with the Living Water. His name is Jesus, and He will satisfy you forevermore.