4:10John 4:10

Jesus, weary and thirsty in His humanity at Jacob's well, asks a Samaritan woman for ordinary drink to open the way to offer a spiritual gift, crossing the contempt between Jews and Samaritans with kindness that knows no territorial or social barrier.Lt 72, 1903, par. 15–17+4 The gift of God He speaks of is Christ Himself, the only-begotten Son and greatest gift, through whom every other gift comes and every provision for temporal and spiritual need flows.Ms 18, 1895, par. 4–5+4 The living water He promises is everlasting life and spiritual life itself, which is the Holy Spirit given with the Son, truth and grace revealed in His Word, divine grace that alone Christ can give through His death, and Christ Himself the living Fountain and smitten Rock.Ms 12, 1901, par. 1–3+4 If she knew the gift and who was speaking she would have asked and He would have given, for receiving is free not by human working but by intelligent knowledge of Christ, recognition of need, and faith that welcomes Him and is emptied of self.DA 183.1–3+4 Whoever drinks has a well within springing up into everlasting life that satisfies thirst with rest and joy, purifies and transforms character after the divine likeness, and flows out in words and deeds that refresh others, as the woman left her waterpot to bring her people to Christ.Ms 16, 1895, par. 26–28+4

Though the Creator, He had become weary and thirsty in human nature and rested at Jacob's well at Sychar, where His request for ordinary drink opened the way to offer a spiritual gift.Lt 72, 1903, par. 15–17+2 If she had known who He was who said give me to drink, she would have asked Him and He would have given living water.Lt 72, 1903, par. 15–17+4 That living water becomes a spring within the person and leads to everlasting life, turning attention from ordinary water to the life He gives.Lt 72, 1903, par. 15–17+3 The verse shows His personal interest in one woman and His earnest effort to lead her to salvation by revealing His divine character as giver.RH Apr 7, 1904+2

The words were a positive invitation of mercy and goodness spoken with authority, removing doubt whether God will hear prayer, show mercy, give favor, and grant mercy and grace and salvation to one who asks.Ms 173, 1897, par. 20–21 They were spoken after He asked drink of the woman of Samaria though Jews thoroughly despised Samaritans, and here His mission work commenced.Ms 173, 1897, par. 20–21+2 Though a Jew He set at naught Pharisaic customs and Jewish prejudice and mingled freely with Samaritans, accepting their hospitality, sleeping under their roofs, eating at their tables food prepared and served by their hands, teaching in their streets, and treating them with utmost kindness and courtesy.Ms 87, 1907, par. 3+2 By the tie of human sympathy He drew their hearts to Him and recognized the dignity of humanity, while by divine grace He brought them the salvation which the Jews rejected.Ms 87, 1907, par. 3+2 His words fell upon their thirsty souls with blessed, life-giving power, awakening new impulses and opening to these outcasts the possibility of a new life, and at Sychar He was teaching His disciples to carry the message of His love to all nations without territorial or social barriers.2MR 109.1+1

She did not know who was speaking to her nor that He could give what her thirst for truth required, and she took His words to mean water from Jacob's well because she did not discern their spiritual meaning.ST Feb 20, 1912+3 She understood at first in terms of ordinary water and the trouble of drawing it, while He was presenting the water of life that meets the soul's deepest need.ST Feb 20, 1912+2 Christ, the Truth, stood near and able to enlighten her, for the gift of God is Christ Himself beside her and the living water He gives is truth that satisfies thirst.ST Feb 20, 1912+2 The Messiah, the Hope of the fathers, was already beside her though she did not recognize Him.DA 184.1–3 Thirsting souls likewise may sit close by the living fountain with refreshing water near, yet look far away and look elsewhere and refuse to believe that it is near, though they may be close to the source of life.ST Feb 20, 1912+2 Through this ordinary circumstance she was convinced of sin and believed in Jesus Christ, showing how truth can come to one not seeking God.Lt 48, 1897, par. 3–10

The meeting was in rocky, rural hill country at an outdoor drawing place where robed women came down a stone path to a large upright water jar.DA 195 Despite the Samaritans' rude treatment of Him His love toward them remained unchanged.DA 488.4–6 He could speak freely to her and give her this life-giving gift, using the meeting at the well to reach her and through her the Samaritans.3T 217.3–4+1 She carried the truth to her countrymen, for His conversation with one listener led her to forget her errand, tell others about Him, and bring many to hear Him and believe.3T 217.3–4+1 That conversation preceded His words about the fields being ready for harvest, and His visit helped prepare His disciples to take the gospel to Samaria so that they later welcomed His messengers.DA 488.4–6+1

The gift of God in the verse is Christ Himself, the only-begotten Son and greatest gift, through whom every other gift comes, and with whom God gives all things.Ms 96, 1898, par. 9–10+2 Every provision for life flows through His death on the cross, and even nature's buds and flowers express His love to attract fallen humanity and enable character perfected after His pattern.Ms 198, 1899, par. 37–39+1 Knowing who He is and recognizing need for Him leads a person to ask Him for living water, and He gives that water freely to everyone, that Christ abiding within becomes a spring leading to everlasting life.Lt 82, 1895, par. 1–2+2 His life in human form reveals what humanity may become, He examines character to see whether His own is reflected there, and those who receive Him are to communicate His light to others through redeeming love and grace.Ms 96, 1898, par. 9–10+2

The gift is freely offered for salvation to every person in every age to supply temporal and spiritual need, for whoever comes in spiritual hunger and thirst may ask in faith and receive.Ms 18, 1895, par. 4–5+1 God is nearer than thought to hungering souls, willing to impart knowledge of salvation by remission of sins, light to those in darkness, and guidance into peace, longing to bestow heavenly treasure and give the Holy Spirit abundantly and continually to bring the heart into peace with God.Lt 144, 1896, par. 6+1 Christ was as truly the water of life to Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah and wilderness Israel as now, Israel's invisible leader through the wilderness travels, supplying through the Son the dews and showers of grace with His Word.ST Feb 20, 1912 Receiving is by experienced, daily trust in God rather than mere talk about faith or religion, and His help comes with faith and patient waiting, often unexpectedly like rain, to surprise the asker as He surprised the woman of Samaria.Ms 18, 1895, par. 4–5+1

If she knew the gift and who says Give me to drink, she would have asked and He would have given, for knowing who Jesus is turns attention from temporary gifts and Jacob's well to the eternal gift.DA 183.1–3+2 Jesus uses her request for ordinary water to awaken trust and offer spiritual life, which is everlasting life and the gift of a religion that comes from God and leads to God.DA 183.1–3+1 Ignorance leaves people prayerless though close to the source of life, while recognition of the speaker and of what God gives leads to asking and receiving water that satisfies and springs up to eternal life.Lt 82, 1895, par. 1–2+2 The offer was full of promise and a lesson worth carrying to people everywhere.Lt 106, 1896, par. 31–36

The living water is everlasting life and spiritual life itself, the joy and hope of the gospel of His kingdom that satisfies the deepest cravings of mind and heart.Ms 12, 1901, par. 1–3+1 Whoever receives it has an inward life-giving source, a spring within leading to everlasting life.7T 152.2+1 It is Christ Himself dwelling in the soul, and Christ's life received through living connection with God, available to every soul.Lt 58, 1895, par. 55–58+3 That connection plants humble, grateful confidence as an abiding principle and drives away unbelieving fear.Lt 58, 1895, par. 55–58+2 From Him comes all knowledge essential to become children of God and to open the widest fields of usefulness.Ms 91, 1901, par. 25–26

The living water is the Holy Spirit, the gift of all gifts given with the Son, the vital presence of God.Ms 165, 1899, par. 36–37+1 In giving Him nothing could be added and God could give no more; by Him all needs are supplied.ST Aug 7, 1901 By this power human nature is released from bondage to sin and renewed, restored and raised, and the restoration of the Spirit is the covenant of grace, costly yet free to all who accept by faith asking.ST Aug 7, 1901 It is pure streams worked by the Spirit that must be drunk deep, becoming an inner well springing up into everlasting life, a life measuring with the life of God.Lt 89, 1899, par. 3–5+1 Received into prepared vessels by asking in prayer and dependence rather than by human working, might or power, the Spirit fills the heart with tenderness, wisdom and enlightenment, melts convicted hearts through gentle words, and gives power to speak to souls in the valley of decision.Lt 200, 1899, par. 7–9

The living water is truth proceeding from God's fountain: His Word, His teaching, His Spirit and His grace revealed in His Word, the gospel believed and lived.Ms 27, 1900, par. 9–11+4 It is to be received as thirsty men receive water and as bread to the hungry, drunk, meditated on and practiced by the truly penitent who love God.Ms 27, 1900, par. 9–11+1 Constantly partaking is necessary for fruitfulness, giving eternal life, spiritual health and vigor, and producing the fruits of the Spirit and reflection of Christ in unselfishness, integrity, kindness and love.Lt 30, 1912, par. 3–4+1 The truths Christ gives are used by the Holy Spirit to purify, refresh, invigorate and satisfy the soul where every other source fails, refreshing with promise of everlasting life, and must be received and shared rather than neglected.Lt 40, 1896, par. 7–8+2 Its power changes darkness to light and pollution to purity, while exposing the worthlessness of the hopes of this world.Ms 27, 1900, par. 9–11

The living water is divine grace that Christ alone can give, like water that purifies, refreshes and strengthens the soul.4RED 24.1–25.3+1 It is received by recognizing Him and asking, not as a literal drink nor a single experience ending all need, but as a living source of strength and grace for every emergency for those united with Christ.4RED 24.1–25.3+1 Christ opened a fountain cleansing every stain, and His blood shed at Calvary gives the fountain its cleansing power, pictured by blood from His pierced side washing away sin of believers.Ms 18, 1895, par. 11–13+1 It is Christ's rich grace provided through His death on the cross to meet the soul's great necessity and the hungering and thirsting caused by wrong and perverted appetite.Lt 56, 1898, par. 10–11 The spring is never exhausted, deep and wide and pure, and when imparted it springs up within into everlasting life, refreshing those around by a softening, subduing influence revealing His presence.Lt 56, 1898, par. 10–11+1

The living water is Christ's life and Christ Himself, the living Fountain and living Rock.Ms 72, 1895, par. 25–26+1 Jacob's well serves as its parable, while the rock smitten once for humanity and following His people as supply in the wilderness points to Him.Ms 72, 1895, par. 25–26+2 The rock's water and the wilderness supply teach that thirsty souls must speak to Christ and ask, and those who ask receive, with the gift remaining available through the close of time.Ms 72, 1895, par. 25–26+1 His invitation to the thirsty to come and drink belongs to the same gift offered at the well.Lt 219, 1901, par. 3

Unlike Jacob's well water and earthly blessings however great or numerous, which leave thirst again and can never satisfy the mind or cleanse the soul, Christ's water comes from a never-failing source.Ms 27, 1900, par. 9–11+2 It satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst where every other source, broken cistern and worldly pleasure fails, bringing everlasting life, rest and renewal to the weary soul.Lt 79, 1897, par. 8–9 It directs from temporary sources of satisfaction to eternal life, and is offered freely even before asking, received by coming, trusting grace by faith, accepting Him as personal Saviour, recognizing and loving Him and cooperating with Him.ST Feb 20, 1912+2 Knowing God and obeying Him unites fallen people with Jesus Christ in that eternal provision of the gospel.Lt 79, 1897, par. 8–9

Asking begins with knowing, for prayer for this water must be preceded by intelligent knowledge of the gift of God and of Christ who says, Give me to drink.ST Jun 19, 1893+1 The gift is Christ Himself and the eternal provision in the gospel, and to know God and obey Him is to be united with Jesus; to know who He is and the value of what He offers stirs earnest, persevering, importunate prayer instead of remaining prayerless and unresponsive.ST Jun 19, 1893+1 Those who recognize their need must come in spiritual hunger and thirst with childlike dependence, telling Him their need and asking, and those who hunger and thirst in this way are seeking truth and salvation.Ms 18, 1895, par. 6+2 When Satan's deception is resisted, blinded eyes are opened and unbelieving hearts perceive the unspeakable gift, and unsaved souls press to the throne of grace entreating to drink of the living water.ST Jun 19, 1893 God is willing to impart this knowledge, giving knowledge of salvation by remission of sins, light to those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and guidance into the way of peace, and unlike water that meets only temporal need, the water He gives comes from a never-failing source that satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst and brings everlasting life, rest and renewal to the weary soul.Lt 79, 1897, par. 8–9+1 Those who already know the gift by experimental knowledge must not be silent, ungrateful or indifferent to others, but must make its preciousness and the precious light of truth known so that others also may know, ask and receive, and a church that daily seeks God in prayer and works for souls is drinking of it.ST Jun 19, 1893+1

Receiving is free, not by human working, might or power, but by faith, dependence and daily experienced trust rather than mere talk.Lt 9, 1899, par. 35–36+2 He alone can give the help sinners seek, joining humanity and divinity by encircling them with His long human arm while His divine arm grasps the throne of the Infinite, so that glory from God's throne falls directly upon those who seek Him.Ms 144, 1901, par. 13–14 To know the gift is to recognize His presence as honored Guest and constant Companion, to ask for living water, to commit the keeping of the soul to Him, and to trust His naked promise rather than feeling, for feelings change with circumstance while the promises of the Eternal are solid rock.Ms 144, 1901, par. 13–14 His people are not to live as mourners bearing care and hopelessness, but to build on the sure foundation of the eternal Rock, to ask in faith and receive water that becomes in them a well springing up to everlasting life, and to talk with God wherever they are as Enoch walked with God by recognizing the divine Presence.Ms 144, 1901, par. 13–14 This means welcoming Christ as heavenly Guest to rule the soul, its impulses and thoughts, for the living water is the religion of Christ in the heart as the wellspring of life, and merely practicing religion outwardly while keeping Christ from the soul leaves a person without this life.Ms 174, 1897, par. 53–54 Self-seeking must die and selfish worldly principles be laid aside so the Spirit of God can take possession of the heart, since God forces no one and each must choose to cooperate, and each person must seek and receive for himself, for no one can obtain this healing source for another.Lt 234, 1907, par. 3+1 What is received fills the person with truth and grace to bless others.Lt 396, 1907, par. 5

He offers the water of life to meet the soul's deepest thirst, which ordinary water cannot satisfy, and He freely offers an abundant supply even before a person asks for help, for through Him alone the Father supplies the world's need.ST Feb 20, 1912+1 He longs to bestow heavenly treasure continually, longs for people to recognize Him as their personal Saviour, to recognize and love Him, to receive His love and to cooperate with Him.ST Feb 20, 1912+1 Receiving means coming to Him, trusting His grace by faith and accepting Him as personal Saviour, and the needy receive by faith through His grace.ST Feb 20, 1912+1 His words awaken conscience and spiritual understanding, as seen in the Samaritan woman, and those who drink of the water of life can carry it to others.ST Feb 20, 1912+1

The fountain is inexhaustible and may be drawn from without diminishing the supply, again and again and day by day, and it is open to all.Ms 27, 1889, par. 18+3 Receiving Christ by faith brings Him into the life as Saviour and Pattern, and drinking of Him daily, together with the bread of life, brings the hope and life of God and prepares for translation and a life that measures with the life of God.Ms 27, 1889, par. 18+1 The living Fountain is a source of spiritual help and comfort whose way those who know it can return to repeatedly, coming and drinking repeatedly from the fountain of divine power.Lt 40a, 1878, par. 2–4+1 Drinking means learning in His school and knowing Him, and this knowledge strengthens and blesses the soul with settled mind.Lt 119, 1898, par. 8 Drawing near to God brings His nearness and help against the enemy, with deeper draughts for deeply impressed minds, and each should seek wisdom from God rather than simply adopting another person's ideas because of position.Lt 119, 1898, par. 8+1

Whoever drinks has within an inward life-giving source, a well springing up into everlasting life, for knowing the gift and recognizing who asks for drink leads to asking and receiving living water that becomes spiritual life in the heart.Ms 1, 1901, par. 23–27+3 A church that daily seeks God in prayer and works for souls drinks this water, and the gospel flowing from a heart filled with the Spirit brings light, comfort and hope to those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.Lt 102, 1894, par. 4+1 The woman's longing to know truth and interest in Scripture prepared her to receive, so that as she heard, faith arose and the water began to spring within, shown in joy and urgent desire to share the light.Lt 55, 1897, par. 1–8 A thankful heart overflows in blessing to others, and as plants grow by receiving what is provided, spiritual growth comes by receiving life from Christ rather than by anxiety or effort alone.Ms 1, 1901, par. 23–27+1

It is spiritual refreshment for which the soul thirsts, expressing deep longing for God, and those who receive it learn from Jesus, behold His character, and grow in meekness and lowliness rather than seeking status.Lt 60, 1894, par. 8–11+1 Christ invites anxious and troubled souls to come and drink and be refreshed, for He is the smitten Rock following His people and a river of water in a dry place, stricken and afflicted bearing offended wrath so the worst sinner may receive pardon, giving wisdom whose ways are pleasantness and peace with length of days, riches and honor.Lt 74, 1906, par. 4–5 This gift satisfies the heart so that servants receiving it themselves do not long for exciting amusements or change of circumstances but make saving the perishing their chief concern.Ms 58, 1896, par. 32 It is the water of salvation and saving grace in the Saviour, meeting longing for healthy faith amid false theories and darkness by bringing out of darkness into gospel light, giving peace and hope and joy and rejoicing in its preciousness even in death as part of physical and spiritual healing.Ms 144, 1905, par. 1–3 He fills the soul with His love and gives heaven's eternal riches, bringing refreshment to be shared, rest and renewal, grateful confidence instead of unbelieving fear, and an end to longing for superiority of one's own wisdom.Lt 60, 1894, par. 8–11+1

It purifies, heals, refreshes and converts, for recognizing who He is leads the sinful, weak and needy to ask and receive life from Him and become sharers in His kingdom with character shaped after the divine likeness and fit for heaven.Ms 16, 1895, par. 26–28+2 Drinking from this pure fountain changes desires by divine grace and the Spirit, so receivers prefer what is pure and elevated and lose relish and delight for low, transient pleasures and indulgences.9MR 373.5–374.1+1 Feeding on His words refreshes the soul and brings greater spirituality in place of excessive sentimentalism, and obeying truth purifies the soul.Ms 35, 1896, par. 16 The water of life is the Spirit's renewing power available daily rather than only at special times, bringing conversion, lifting above worldly ambition, driving selfishness away, making forgiveness felt and valued, and producing forgiveness toward those who harm.Ms 94, 1899, par. 3–4 Drinking freely of this rich supply of grace in Jesus transforms believers into children of God and heirs with Christ, shown in Christian lives in harmony with His character, satisfying the soul through communion with God and strengthening to overcome evil and work with God.Ms 16, 1895, par. 26–28+2

Without thirst for it souls turn to unsatisfying pleasures, for the soul that does not thirst for righteousness has not tasted this life, and failing to drink leaves danger of being overcome by the pleasure-loving spirit of the age.Lt 3, 1882, par. 10–12+1 Those lacking thirst turn to pleasures that cannot satisfy like drinking from broken cisterns, with religion resting on shifting feelings rather than firm foundation, while closer connection with Christ increases hunger and thirst for His righteousness.Lt 3, 1882, par. 10–12+1 The soul's experience depends on what it drinks: turning to Christ brings the water of life and a bright experience, while seeking other sources leaves it drinking turbid streams and murky water of the valley.Ms 17, 1894, par. 17–19+1 Human ambition and invention cannot satisfy, for this heavenly fountain was prepared at immense cost to satisfy thirst, so those long with truth ought not try to be satisfied with broken cisterns that hold no water but should drink from Christ's fountain, humbling hearts in prayer while earth is still their habitation and earnestly seeking traits honoring God and working His works, which gives a part in the earth made new.Lt 335, 1905, par. 10

Whoever is united with Christ carries a living fountain within, and that inward presence flows outward through words and deeds that refresh others and awaken longing for strength, purity, holiness, peace and joy without sorrow.STMW9 78.2+2 Love for God and the hope of heaven spring up in good works, and a thankful heart continually overflows in blessing for those around.RH Feb 19, 1901+2 What has been freely received is to be freely imparted rather than shut away, so that the power of speech becomes a blessing that leads minds to God, sows truth and righteousness, and brings light, comfort, hope, peace, forgiveness, healing and salvation to thirsty souls.Ms 77, 1897, par. 23–24+2 In this way the true receiver becomes a savor of life unto life whose surrounding influence saves, lifting up Jesus whose blood has bought and whose righteousness clothes, and bringing others to drink from the same fountain of peace and joy found by faith.Ms 77, 1897, par. 23–24+2

The Samaritan woman shows how one encounter can have wide influence, for as soon as the value of the truth dawned upon her, even before she fully comprehended it, she began to feel after it, forgot that she had come to draw water, left her waterpot, and hastened to tell others what she had learned and invite them to meet Christ.Ms 91, 1901, par. 23–24+2 Her words moved many of her city to believe and to come to the well, giving opportunity for them also to receive the living water and come to knowledge of the truth, and that saving influence has continued through all the years since.Ms 91, 1901, par. 23–24+2 Receiving His words brings gladness and precious light that outweighs the ordinary errand, and the one who receives living water becomes a source of life to others.ST Aug 11, 1914+2 No hearer is too few or too unlikely to merit earnest witness, since conversation with a single listener can reach a whole people.ST Aug 11, 1914+2

Those who would refresh thirsting souls must first drink deeply of that water themselves, for the Lord gives fitness for the work only to those who have drunk.Lt 89, 1899, par. 3–5+2 Editors of periodicals, Sabbath school teachers, presidents of conferences, ministers, teachers, restaurant workers and ambassadors need personal experience, daily nourishment from the living fountain, quickened souls and time to receive spiritual refreshment and consolation rather than being kept constantly occupied with business and meetings.Lt 89, 1899, par. 3–5+3 Drinking means receiving transforming grace and divine life upon the heart, with separation from worldly influences and harmony with believers, so that labor is not mechanical but earnest, the soul is full of gratitude and praise, and children and hungry hearers can be led to the well and fed with fresh nourishment rather than repeated discourses.8MR 105.2+2 Many have not felt their necessity and do not discern their own wants, and so give food that is acceptable but gives no real strength, with lifeless words that mistake error for light; only those who have drunk can save souls.Lt 89, 1899, par. 3–5+2

John 4:10 proffers the water of life to the woman of Samaria, and the same work is still carried forward toward every soul however sinful.DA 193.1–194.2 No circumstance of birth or nationality and no condition of life can turn away love from the children of men, for grace and the gospel are not limited by race or nation.DA 193.1–194.2+1 To the despised and shunned and outcast, to those others may despise, the offer stands that living water would have been given if asked, so the invitation is not to be narrowed to a select few but given to all whose hearts are open to receive truth.DA 193.1–194.2 His pitying love reaches beyond sect or party, directing the sinful life to divine grace as the sure and perfect remedy, without reproving lesser seekings after happiness.DA 193.1–194.2+1

The sinful Samaritan heart became a new bottle able to hold the new wine of the kingdom, while scribes and Pharisees who would not receive were like old dried-up skin bottles that could not hold it.Lt 83, 1890, par. 13–18+1 She listened and believed the word without any miracle, gladly received the light and published it to neighbors, while Jews who saw majesty and grace in mighty healings and the mighty outpouring of the Spirit would not recognize Him because prejudice reigned in their hearts.Ms 2, 1890, par. 4–5 Miracles therefore do no good where prejudice rules, and only a teachable spirit emptied of prejudice that brings ideas to the Scriptures can know of the doctrine.Ms 2, 1890, par. 4–5 Those who have never heard the truth prove more susceptible than those long with evidences yet remaining in unbelief, and at North Fitzroy some drank of the water of life unto spiritual life and healing while others refused and were hardened by refusing to live and obey, even as outsiders longed for truth and conversion.Ms 2, 1890, par. 14+1

The water of salvation and bread from heaven are for all who thirst and come to Him, rich and poor, high and low alike, freely received as life from the Life-giver.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 23+2 Even the poor, suffering and abandoned may receive spiritual life from the sin-pardoning Saviour through faith and pardon, possessing a treasure greater than any earthly possession.Lt 113, 1901, par. 8–12 The thirst of sorrowful souls is need for His peace, and patient compassionate care for the sick may lead them to this life-giving gift when they recognize thirst and ask.STB 419.3–421.3 Without Him all perish with spiritual hunger and thirst whatever wealth they hold, for material possessions are not true riches or secure ownership but entrusted gifts held as faithful stewards that God can take away.Ms 69a, 1896, par. 23

The work at Jacob's well fulfills the promise given in Eden that the woman's Seed would bruise the serpent's head.ST Apr 22, 1897+1 He knows each soul's need and supplies spiritual strength to the oppressed and fainting from an inexhaustible refreshment that those who ask in prayer may continually draw from and share without exhausting.ST Apr 22, 1897 That bruising work He will continue until every soul has been tested and tried.ST Feb 20, 1912

The verse shows a way of reforming others by tact and sympathy rather than by attacking wrong habits.MH 156.4–157.2 He does not reprove the woman for coming to draw from Jacob's well nor disparage the well itself, but turns the conversation to the treasure He has to bestow.6T 64.1+3 What He offers is presented in comparison as something of far greater value than the water she came to draw, even the fountain of living waters.6T 64.1+2 That better gift is the joy and hope of the gospel, the peace of Christ, God's holy law as the transcript of His character, the imperishable glory of heaven set against fleeting worldly joys, and the freedom and rest found in the Saviour.MH 156.4–157.2 The lesson is to turn people from self-indulgent efforts to secure happiness by showing them something better than what they possess and seek.6T 64.1+2

He brings this gift to one despised woman at Sychar's well, dealing with her as an individual rather than waiting for a crowd to gather.GW92 186.2–3+2 Though weary, He uses the opportunity for patient personal witness and opens to her His richest instruction, discerning in her an open and receptive heart.GW92 186.2–3+1 Wherever hearts are open to receive truth He is ready to instruct them, revealing the Father and the service acceptable to God who reads the heart.MH 28.2 To her He speaks plainly with no parables and openly declares Himself as He who speaks, bringing profound truths directly to a single person.MH 28.2+1 That conversation reaches her so that she tells others about Him, many come to hear Him, and they believe His own word, while the longing remains to lead people to Him as the giver of living water whose mercy and love in dying for sinners keeps them from perishing in their sins.GW92 186.2–3+1

The same gift makes the first work in every school to become acquainted with God and the principles of heaven and to be truly converted, with Christ formed within, so that teachers prove the promise in daily work and an influence for good goes forth from them.Ms 84, 1901, par. 2–4 Leading thirsting souls to that living water is the purpose of sanitariums, which are to be not expensive mammoth institutions but small homelike institutions in pleasant places.CH 213.3–4+2 Those institutions offer spiritual life and truth to people of every class alongside the bread of heaven, helping to save souls as well as restore health through compassionate care for the sick, health treatments, and instruction in spiritual and physical habits.CH 213.3–4+2 Restaurant workers are to offer salvation and not mere food, and humble followers are to scatter publications with prayer so that truth as in Jesus reaches towns and cities.CH 213.3–4+2 In all these lines Christ Himself remains the source of living water for thirsty souls.CH 213.3–4+4