So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
John 5:5-6
I don't usually incorporate videos into Divinely Interrupted (you're stuck reading). However, as we read about Jacob's well this week, it's a profound opportunity to learn about its location and see (thanks to Expedition Bible and Joel Kramer, a biblical archeologist) exactly where Jesus sat with the woman at the well.
So, with that, please take 15 minutes to watch this video embedded below to understand precisely where Jesus was in these verses and why His Words were so profoundly significant given the surroundings.
Post-video:
That was incredible, yes?! Like the 100+ ft. well depth, we will go deep into these Scripture verses. I'm so thankful we serve the Good Shepherd, who waters and cares for us as His sheep.
Jesus, the Messiah, sat upon the well you saw in the video. But think about that further: wells aren't comfy. They are a far cry from a soft couch. He sat in an uneasy posture, not simply to rest but also to remind us that the uncomfortable things in life are okay to endure.
These verses underscore Christ's full humanity because He was weak and tired at times, too. We all have seasons where we are weary travelers (by the way, I love the song, Weary Traveler by Jordan St. Cye), and I love that we not only serve the Good Shepherd but also the God who understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:5).
Let's choose to stay beside the well. Just as those sheep need to be watered and cannot draw a drink themselves, neither can we. We need Christ. We need Him to meet us in our weariness and battles and sit with us. We need to allow Him to be Matthew 11:28 to us at this moment (AMPC version):
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.” [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Father, thank you for being the Good Shepherd in whom we have confidence and know that Your character is one of care and provision. At this moment, we sit with you. Recognizing that we are overburdened and have repeatedly tried to carry the load ourselves. Let us cast the worries upon Your strong shoulders. Let us believe that what You have to offer will satisfy our deepest longings, oh Christ. Restore us now because we are weak, but You are enough. Amen.