Painting of Jesus and Samaritans at the Well in the Church Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli by Enrico Albricci (created approximately 1749-1754)
Samaria, Well of Living Water
The land of Samaria was a region between Jerusalem and Galilee. While traveling through the area, Jesus Christ stopped at a well where He sat down to rest. When a local woman came to draw water, Jesus asked her to draw water for Him. She was shocked by His request since Jews typically avoided interactions with Samaritans. But that didn’t stop Jesus from reaching out in love and compassion to share His divine message with her. The woman had made some mistakes in her life that she perhaps thought made her unworthy, but Jesus explained his identity as the Messiah she sought and invited her to worship God in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24). He saw her for who she could become, just like He sees us.
The invitation
We’ve all made mistakes. We all have insecurities. But just as Jesus Christ offered "living water" to the woman at the well, He likewise offers salvation and redemption to all of us as we come unto Him. Unlike a well of water in the desert, when we follow the Living Water, the blessings that flow will never run dry. Take time to write down some goals for how you can increase your faith in Jesus Christ's divine mission and follow Him. While you do it, remember that the Savior can help you overcome the things you may feel are holding you back.
What helps you have faith in Jesus Christ?
What do you feel is holding you back in your efforts to follow Him?
What do you need to do to overcome those obstacles?
How can Jesus Christ give you the strength to change?
Scriptures about Jesus Christ’s love
While traveling through Samaria, the Savior teaches a woman at Jacob's well that He is the "living water."
Thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we all have the ability to repent—to be free from the guilt and burden of our past sins. Learn how Melody put her past behind her with Jesus’s help and was able to find peace in her new life.
![Jesus Christ comforts and forgives a woman accused of adultery](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/78/51/7851f89460a5ffac3912515892912042e2c2e2b3/7851f89460a5ffac3912515892912042e2c2e2b3.jpeg)
![Jesus Christ comforts and forgives a woman accused of adultery](https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/78/51/7851f89460a5ffac3912515892912042e2c2e2b3/7851f89460a5ffac3912515892912042e2c2e2b3.jpeg)
Jesus teaches about compassion when confronted with a woman accused of adultery.
The Holy Bible is a sacred book that contains the word of God. It foretells the coming of Jesus Christ and describes His life, His mission, and His sacred role as the Son of God and Savior of the world.
Maps and depictions
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