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I. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY THE GIFT REPRESENTED BY LIVING WATER.

1. Christ, in an especial manner, is the "gift" of God (John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 9:15).

(1) He is the chief fountain of salvation, both as the gift of God and living water.

(2) An application to Him for this water arises from a knowledge of Him in order to which we must receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17).

2. But the Holy Spirit is rather intended because He —

(1) Cleanses the soul from the guilt and pollution of sin (Ezekiel 36:25).

(2) Refreshes the thirsty (ver. 14; John 7:37).

(3) Is the only source of life to the dead in sins, and having quickened He makes them fruitful in righteousness (Isaiah 32:15-18; Isaiah 44:3, 4; Isaiah 51:3; Ephesians 2:9).

II. THE NECESSITY OF THIS WATER.

1. We are filthy, and need to be cleansed.

2. We are unhappy, and need to be refreshed.

3. We are dead, and need to be made alive.

4. We are barren, and need to be made fruitful.

III. THE EXCELLENCY OF THIS WATER (ver. 14).

IV. WHERE THIS WATER IS TO BE HAD, BY WHOM, AND ON WHAT TERMS.

1. It is to be had in Christ, not only as our God, but as our Brother.

(1) It is procured for us by His death (John 16:7), and received on our behalf, in consequence of His resurrection and ascension (Psalm 68:18; Acts 2:33).

(2) Hence He waits to bestow it on those who apply to Him (John 7:37; Revelation 21:6); and from this consideration we have great encouragement to ask Christ for it.

2. It may be had —

(1) by all that are poor, and need it (Isaiah 41:17);

(2) by all who thirst for it (John 7:37; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17);

(3) by all who come to Christ, "If any man thirst," said He, "let him come unto Me";

(4) and by all who ask, "Thou wouldest have asked of Me."

3. Though it was purchased dear by Christ, He gave a great price that He might have a right to impart it to sinners, and that He might render them capable of receiving it, yet we may have it as a free gift, "without money and without price."

V. THE REASON WHY MEN ARE INDIFFERENT ABOUT IT, AND EITHER APPLY NOT TO CHRIST FOR IT, OR APPLY WITHOUT SUCCESS.

1. They know it not (John 14:17); neither its nature, value, nor necessity.

2. They know not Christ in the dignity of His person — in His great condescension and love — in the sufferings He endured that we might have this water — and as the fountain of it.

3. They do not apply, confess their need, nor ask its communication, or, if they ask, they do not ask aright, sincerely, earnestly, importunately, perseveringly, believingly, consistently.

Application:

1. Ignorance, arising from an aversion to saving knowledge, and the love of sin, is no excuse (Isaiah 5:12, 13; Luke 19:44).

2. The state and danger of those who remain destitute of the sacred influence of the Spirit.

3. The duty and advantage of immediate and fervent supplication for it (Proverbs 1:22-28, 32).

(J. Benson.)

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KJV: Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

WEB: Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."