John 4:4-6

We all get tired. Whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or some combination of the three, we become worn down. A lot of times circumstances cause us additional stress, which brings about that exhaustion. We are human. It happens to all of us. It is important we recognize when we do become tired and, if we can, take the appropriate steps to recuperate. 

And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. – John 4:4-6, ESV

Jesus and His disciples had left Judea and were traveling back to Galilee. They would have done so on foot, and based on what we know here it was about noon. Jesus had gotten worn down, so He plopped down beside a well. The well itself was a landmark, so John gives us those details. 

I’m sure part of the weariness had to do with the situation concerning the Pharisees, the reason Jesus left Judea in the first place. So we likely have a combination of factors for Jesus’ tiredness. Jesus, the Son of Man, became worn down, just as we get. So He rested. 

Yes, this situation sets up an encounter with the Samaritan woman, something we will begin exploring tomorrow. However, let’s not jump ahead to those events. Let’s focus on Jesus becoming tired and taking the appropriate steps to deal with it. 

The reason I want to stop here is I know that when I was younger, I would try to ignore my exhaustion and press on when I didn’t have to do so. This led to greater levels of exhaustion. And with greater levels of exhaustion our bodies begin to break down. So does our judgment. So does our emotional capacity. 

We’ve all seen it in children who are tired. They become cranky, argumentative, and the least little thing can set them to crying. Even normally placid children can become quite distressed if they get tired and don’t get proper rest. We do the same thing as adults, but we often characterize it differently. “He’s under a lot of stress.” “She’s got a lot going on.””He’s trying to do too much.” “She’s burning the candle at both ends.”

All of those expressions may describe what we are going through. However, we have to take time to rest. We can all think of circumstances when we need to push through exhaustion and keep going. The reality, though, is most of the time when we need rest and choose not to take it, we have the time. We are just choosing poorly. 

Our Savior took a rest when He needed it. We are to follow His example. He had the biggest issue ever faced in our world on his shoulders: redeeming us from our sins to the glory of the Father above. Yet still He rested. Let us take time to do the same.