Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well of John chapter 4, gives us a uniquely compact view into Jesus’ character. While Jesus is obviously the centrepiece of this story, credit must go to this lady for her open willingness to engage with Jesus, and then to become an effective ambassador for Him.
According to the biased customs of that time, Jesus should not have spoken with this lady. First, a Jewish man was frowned upon for speaking with a woman who was a stranger. Second, this lady was a Samaritan, and there was a longstanding tension between Jews and Samaritans. Everything about this encounter went against the norms of both Jewish and Samaritan societies of that time. But as we know, Jesus is not restrained by the world’s cultural boundaries.
The discussion began with four simple words, a simple question by Jesus, that changed this lady’s life, “Give me a drink” (Jn 4:7). Ignoring the question, she expresses her shock at Jesus’ speaking with her (:9). Bypassing all human barriers, Jesus targets this lady’s greatest spiritual need, although she didn’t realise it in that moment. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water” (Jn 4:10). Well, this mind blowing revelation was just as confusing for this lady as it would have been to us if we were there.
Jesus continues calmly, explaining that He is the living water that gives satisfying eternal life to whoever will receive Him. Not fully understanding the depth of Jesus’ words, this enthusiastic lady responds, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water” (Jn 4:15). Embracing her passionate, yet shallow understanding, Jesus moves the conversation to revealing His ultimate knowledge of her life and need. “Go, call your husband, and come here” (Jn 4:16). Well, that turned out to be awkward, as she had 5 previous husbands and was presently living in a de facto relationship with another man (Jn 4:18).
Shocked by Jesus’ knowledge of her life, she blurts out, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet…” (Jn 4:19). Quickly moving the conversation to the subject of worship, Jesus informs her that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). Catching up, this lady says that she believes Messiah, the Christ is coming. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he” (Jn 4:26).
Jesus’ disciples return, and interrupt by challenging Jesus for talking with this lady, so she rushes into town announcing, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (Jn 4:29). Returning to the well with a crowd of equally curious people, Jesus continues His teaching. Consequently, many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony… they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. …we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (Jn 4:39-42).
Never underestimate what God can do with just a few simple words that point a nonbeliever to Jesus. Without realising it, unbelieving hearts long for eternal life, and only the Lord Jesus Christ can fulfill that need as Saviour. Take courage Christian, speak for Jesus, and with Jesus’ words, watching and praying to see what He does with our simple efforts.
