The Woman at the Well

"She came to the well at midday. (John 4:6)"

Such bland words paint a  picture of this woman if you are looking for it. Why would anyone choose to come to draw water when the day is half over? Upon further reading, we learn that she has been married five times and is not married to the man she is living with currently. Although not all details are filled in, we know that she has either been rejected or widowed five times in her life. Shame and sadness are her closest companions.

The fact that she is coming to the well when no one else is there speaks to the fact that she doesn't have an ideal relationship with the women in her community. Gossip and judgment are ugly things, and I can imagine that she was the recipient of both.

"Will you give Me a drink? (John 4:7)"

These words also paint a picture. Jesus broke all customs by speaking to an unattended woman. A Samaritan woman. A known sinner. From the first time He opens His  mouth, she has to know He is different. Any self-respecting rabbi wouldn't be caught dead talking to someone like her. What she doesn't know yet is how this simple conversation will change the rest of her life.

Jesus crosses all barriers to get close to us. He doesn't care where you live, what  you've done, or what anybody else thinks of you. He wants to give you the gift of a relationship with Him, forever. As He spoke to the woman, the water that He offers will refresh us way more than a sip from a well. And when we accept that, we are completely transformed.

"Many of the Samaritans in that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony. (John 4:39)."

When Jesus touches your life, you can't help but want to share. Maybe you are being touched for the first time. Maybe you have known Him as a Savior for a long time. Either way, take a lesson from the woman whose name we never learn. Let Him provide a drink that will refresh for eterntiy, and tell people what He has done for you. Don't worry if your story is a not a proud one for you...God uses those stories of transformation to encourage and draw others to Him.