Then Jesus declared (to the Samaritan Woman), "I, the one speaking to you - I Am He." (v.25)
In Jerusalem, and in the surrounding territory of Judea, Jesus began to feel a growing hostility from the Jews. The Jewish leaders were becoming threatened by Jesus popularity, and thus they were already beginning to think and make murderous plans against Jesus. So He left Judea and went back once more to Galilee (vv.1-3). The route He would take would be through Samaria. This was not the normal route the Jews took because of the animosity that existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. Therefore, His choice to go that way had a specific purpose.
In verse 7 we are introduced to the Samaritan Woman who comes to draw water from the well where Jesus is resting in the middle of the day. In the story, Jesus knew that this woman was of the lower class of people since it was uncommon for a woman of higher class to come to draw water from a well at midday. Jesus, knowing all things, also knew that this woman was involved in a life deeply steeped in sin, for she was a harlot. The story that is about to unfold is a tremendous illustration of the mercy and grace of God.
When Jesus asks the woman for a drink, there is a much greater reference that He is making than just physical refreshment. He begins helping her to see her need for the refreshing that salvation brings by saying to her, "Drink of this water and you will thirst again." The refreshing Jesus is offering here can't be quenched by the physical. There is nothing in the material realm that can satisfy the Spiritual thirst. Implying here that only He can provide that.
This Samaritan woman was astonished that Jesus would even speak to her because the Jews would avoid any conversation with Samaritans. However through His conversation with her, Jesus reveals His knowledge of her life, everything she ever did. To which woman replied, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet, and I know that Messiah called Christ is coming. And when He comes, He will explain everything to us." To which Jesus replied, "I the one speaking to you - I Am He." It is an amazing thing that to this Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Messiah, yet to the people of Judea where Jesus had just come, He hid His identity.
Scripture tells us that the Lord will reveal His will and nature to those who are looking and willing to do His will and to heed the words. This woman, and the Samaritans themselves, were much more willing to listen and heed His word - and thus to them He reveals more of Himself than He revealed to His own Jewish kinsmen.
The Truth: "Truly, truly, I say unto yo you, whoever hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)
