The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!”
John 4:25,26
Jesus is sitting at a well in Samaria talking to a woman alone. Samaria. Woman. Alone. John tells us about this episode with Jesus to shock us. It is just not done by a Jew to talk with Samaritans, much less women, especially alone. This was an unheard of example of Jesus ministering to those in need in a one-to-one situation. What are the lessons for us?
We must develop relationships with people to be able to share with them. Notice the sequence of events that got to the point Jesus could tell the woman that he was, in fact, the Messiah. First, he asked for help in the form of water. We know they were alone because John tells us the disciples went to look for food. They were tired and hungry in Samaria. Jesus starts a conversation by showing his human side. “Please give me a drink” is the beginning of their relationship. The woman is surprised and asked why this Jewish man is talking to her, a lowly Samaritan. We immediately notice the cultural and socioeconomic difference that Jesus spans. He talks to people that others do not. He then tells her he has “living water.” She is confused about this but wants some of it. She knows she is in need of more than well water.
Jesus knows about this woman, but wants her to be honest with him so he asks about her husband. The relationship tip here is find out about people and their situations. Ask delving questions. Really get to know them and what Jesus is really saying here is “how is your life going now?” That should be our message to the world. How is life without Jesus? The woman then asks Jesus about worship. She knows he is special and has a spiritual need in her life. Again, this is the world without Jesus. When they identify their need, they are ready for the above verse. Jesus is the promised Savior of the world.
Finally, relationships lead to more discussions with others. The woman was excited to share the good news with her friends. Our message should be good news for the world. In this example, Jesus begins a relationship with just one person and God’s wisdom brings the harvest of the whole village. Fulfilling the Great Commission begins with forming relationships today with people in all situations from all cultures.
Scripture: John 4:4-26
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