The woman’s light, bantering manner began to change. “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself?” She saw before her only a thirsty traveler. In her mind, she compared Him with Jacob. She was looking backward to the fathers, and forward to the Messiah’s coming, while the Messiah Himself was beside her, and she did not know Him. How many thirsty souls today are close by the Living Fountain, yet looking far away for the Water of Life! HH 77.9
Solemnly, earnestly, Jesus said, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” HH 78.1
People everywhere are longing for something to fill the unsatisfied need of the soul. Only One can meet that lack—Christ, “the Desire of all nations.” The divine grace that He gives is like living water, purifying and invigorating the whole being. HH 78.2
Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one drink of the water of life would be enough. All who taste the love of Christ will continually long for more, but they seek for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract them. The constant cry of their hearts is, “More of You.” Our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and we will always find a fresh supply. HH 78.3
Jesus had stirred the woman’s interest and awakened a desire for the gift He had mentioned. “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” HH 78.4