6. The Hungry and Thirsty
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Today’s Reading: John 4
Have You Ever Felt Wronged?
Are you stuck in a situation where you have no control? Unfortunately, that's how many people feel today. It's not just about politics—it's about how divided we've become, how quick we are to judge, and how hard it is to have honest conversations. Jumping to conclusions is at an all-time high, which is usually a sign that people are uncertain and searching for answers. In the opening of his Manifesto, Jesus makes this declaration: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
So, how do we lean into this promise today?
What’s Going on at the Well?
In John 4, Jesus stops at a well in a Samaritan town and starts a conversation with a woman there. At first glance, it seems like a simple moment, but it's groundbreaking for a few reasons:
Jews and Samaritans hated each other. Ethnic and religious tensions ran deep. A Jewish man wasn't even supposed to be in this town—let alone talking to a Samaritan woman.
She came to the well alone at noon. Before the brutal midday sun, most women gathered water early in the morning. The fact that she was there alone suggests she was an outcast.
Her past was complicated. When Jesus tells her, "You've had five husbands, and the man you're with now isn't your husband" (John 4:18), many assume she was promiscuous. But that's likely not the case.
In ancient times, women had little control over their lives. A woman could end up having been with multiple husbands for many reasons:
Infertility As seen through many Biblical stories, not being able to bear children was seen as culturally shameful.
Widowhood Widows often didn't retain their husband's assets after they died. The estate would usually fall to the closest male relative or son, who would then be responsible for the wife's care.
Bad Cook? No, seriously! There were significant debates over interpreting divorce law. Some rabbis taught that any form of displeasure was grounds for divorce, leaving the women vulnerable and with nothing.
In verse 18, rather than accusing her, Jesus likely acknowledges her situation: "I see you. You've been trying to survive, doing what you can to fix your situation. But I have something better for you—something that will truly satisfy."
She had been avoiding people, carrying shame. But Jesus didn't shame her. He offered her living water—something more profound than just a temporary fix.
Overflowing with Perspective
This woman started the day feeling trapped by her past and circumstances. The patriarchal society, the ethnic hatred of surrounding groups, and the lack of support kept her running and hiding. But by the end of her conversation with Jesus, everything changed. Her story wasn't just about her—it was about who Jesus is. When she realized that, she ran back to town—the same town that had rejected her—and became the first evangelist. Her testimony drew so many people that Jesus changed his itinerary and stayed in the town for two more days.
A.C. Reid writes of her, "It was to the women at the well that Jesus gave the first clear proclamation of his Saviorship. It was also to her that he made that tremendous pronouncement which delocalized, denationalized, and deracialized God. Said he to her, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth."
So, how do we receive the fulfillment Jesus promised in Matthew 5:6? We shift our perspective. The Samaritan woman thought she was just getting water, but Jesus showed her something bigger. He does the same for us. When we stop focusing on our limitations and start seeking a revelation of who Jesus is, we begin to experience his righteousness, healing, and direction. Like the woman at the well, your limitations don't define you. Your situation doesn't limit you. Jesus is inviting you into something greater—will you receive it?
*Video was edited and produced by David Tregde. Script and direction by Julius Shumpert.
Mackie, Tim. “This Is Who Experiences the Good Life (According to Jesus) • Visual Commentary.” YouTube, The Bible Project, 4 Mar. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9fR7sHw9Y8.
Mackie, Tim. “Why Jesus Connected Anger with Murder and Lust with Adultery.” YouTube, The Bible Project, 14 Apr. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okFibMvn3t0.
“John 4.” Holy Bible: New International Version, Cambridge University Press, New York, NY, 1984.
Reid, Albert Clayton. 100 Chapel Talks. Abingdon Press, 1955.
Robinson, Thomas L. “Family Life.” Jesus and His Times, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc., Plesantville, NY, 1987, pp. 92–93.
