IT’S NOT GOD’S PROBLEM SO MUCH AS IT IS OURS
Every one of John’s Gospel accounts is rich and layered. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is no different. There are so many symbols meant to convey that Jesus is clearly not just the Son of God, but also the continuation of the Abrahamic line. The reference to Jacob, the setting of the well, the mountain and the thirst itself – all convey to the reader the identity of Jesus.
Undoubtedly, the central metaphor today is water. Even Jesus needs it to survive. But Rabbi Harold Kushner writes that water is not just life, it is also chaos. A little water is wonderful, but a lot of water is one of the most destructive forces on earth.
As essential as it is, it can also be quite terrifying. Water in us – gives life. Us in water, can quickly take life. So you see it is all about how you approach it.