Locations & Times

Jesus is a gift giver. He gave the gift of sight, life and creation. There is one gift that He offers everyone He encounters. Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman are two people who Jesus personally offered this gift to, yet their perceptions and beliefs almost made them miss out on someone that would change their lives forever.

Nicodemus was a man of notoriety and prestige. He had a seat on the Sanhedrin, which was a legislative group run by the Sadducees. His role required him to have extensive knowledge of the scriptures and to live his life following specific rules and practices. He had a reputation of being a man of high religious standard compared to others. It was when he heard about Jesus’ miracles that he decided to meet with Jesus at night to gain more knowledge on his newfound curiosity. Meeting with Jesus by day would have been scandalous and would have ruined Nicodemus’ reputation. It was during that meeting that Jesus told him about the power of the Living Water and receiving the Spirit. As Nicodemus asked questions, Jesus finally responded, “You are the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not know nor understand these things?” (John 3:10) Yet Jesus offered him the gift.

The Samaritan woman, getting water from the well in high noon heat, simply lowered her bucket as Jesus approached her. It was scandalous for them to be speaking or even be seen together as Jews were not to associate with “unclean” Samaritans. It is believed it was the reason why Jesus separated himself from the disciples to talk to her. Historians believed that her reputation subjected her to going out in the town during the hottest time of the day to not be ridiculed or hear whispers. She was a woman who lived her life in shame, unworthiness, living her life in the shadows. Jesus knew that and yet offered her the gift also.  

They did share one belief: the Messiah was coming. Nicodemus’ job was to thoroughly understand the scriptures. He was under the perception, due to his role, that he knew everything about God and what He required. The Samaritan woman culturally believed in the Torah (the first 5 books of the bible) and rested her faith on a prophet coming back to teach the truth. 

Nicodemus believed that the miracles that Jesus performed were proof that He is the Messiah. While Jesus only had to reveal the truth of the Samaritan woman’s life for her to believe.

Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman both come from two different worlds, separated by the perception of others of their identities. But they both received the same message from Jesus. True satisfaction and fulfillment come from Living Water. 

The Living Water that Jesus described in both conversations is the Holy Spirit. A spiritual relationship with God, the one who truly satisfies all our needs. The need of being accepted, loved, seen, to genuinely be fulfilled is only from God.

This world makes us believe if we don’t fit specific standards, we fall short from grace. Or in the case of Nicodemus, even if you do fit those worldly standards of perfection, you can still be in lack spiritually. The water you drink impacts you. 

What well are you drinking from? Is it the well of pride, like Nicodemus, in the belief that knowledge and ritualistic behavior would bring you salvation? Or is it the well of shame, that you don’t deserve what Jesus has to give you because you believe you fall too short of the kindness of God? 

Let Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman show you that your qualifications don’t matter. God calls you worthy simply because He loves you. Drink for the well that never runs dry and fulfills you. Ask God to show you what you have been drinking that doesn’t serve your spirit. Surrender those things over to God. Open your hands to drink the Living Water and receive the ultimate gift.

If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.