In this last letter to the seven churches we see a city that is wealthy, prominent, and in so many ways saw themselves as self sufficient. Their one glaring need was water. In contrast to other neighboring cities with cool springs or hot mineral springs historians tell us that Laodicea's closest river was undrinkable and would make you nauseous. In his mercy Jesus points to this physical need as a way of helping them to see their deeper spiritual needs. Once we can be honest about our needs then we can turn to Jesus to satisfy.