It seemed like any other day, or so she thought as she approached the well. She wouldn’t have thought it would be the day her life would change forever.
One of the most memorable testimonies told in the Bible was about a Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus as she went to the well to fill her water jar. She went alone and during midday (John 4:6-7), an unconventional time since women during that time would retrieve water during the early morning to avoid the heat. There may have been a need or she may have been an outcast, shunned by other women in the community.
During this interaction, Jesus offered her living water (John 4:13-14) referring to quenching her spiritual thirst. He addressed the sin in her life, not to condemn, but to confront the root and heart of the issue and pointing her toward repentance (John 4:16-18). Also, as he told her about true worship that would not be location specific, but rather based on spirit and truth, the woman said,
“I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” - John 4:25-26
After the disciples arrived to rejoin Jesus, the woman departed suddenly leaving her water jar and returned to the town and said to the people,
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. - John 4:29-30
After the people came, we read this passage,
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. - John 4:39-41
The woman’s testimony was an open door for many to come and seek out Jesus. Those who sought after him and heard his words became believers. Their faith wasn’t solely due to her testimony anymore.
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” - John 4:32
Now we have heard for ourselves
And we know that this man really is the Savior of the world
The people’s faith was no longer on the Samaritan woman’s testimony. They encountered Jesus for themselves.
From this passage, we are reminded of the importance of 3 things:
- We are called to share our personal testimonies with others as the Samaritan woman did
- Enduring faith cannot be on another person’s encounters and relationship with Jesus, we need to encourage others to seek a personal relationship
- Our faith is strengthened by reading God’s word
- The Samaritans’ belief came by listening to Jesus’ words. “And because of his words many more became believers”
Prayer:
Lord, those who encounter your grace and love are changed forever. In the opportunities you have prepared, I pray to be bold in sharing my testimony as the Samaritan woman. I pray to tell others of who you are and what you have done in my life. I pray that many would seek to know you for themselves and live completely surrendered to you.
Graceful Strides 