John 4:1-26
The woman this passage focuses on came to draw water during the hottest part of the day, possibly to avoid the condescending looks from the other women. I find the contrast between her and Jesus’ actions to be very interesting. She feared man’s judgment, so she came to the well alone. Had Jesus feared man’s judgment, He never would have spoken to her. Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans, and she was not just a Samaritan, but a woman with a bad reputation. When He asked her for a drink, she was surprised. He needed a drink from the well, but she needed much more. Her soul was dry.
When Jesus told her to go and get her husband, He knew her situation. When she said, “I don’t have a husband,” His reply demonstrated that this was no ordinary man she was speaking with. For He knew she’d been married five times, and the man she was currently living with wasn’t her husband. Bingo! Jesus went straight to the heart of her pain.
She tried to divert the conversation to religion, but Jesus would have none of it. She didn’t need more religion. She needed to worship the one who would finally free her from sin and its debilitating shame. She had been living under a heavy burden for years. Her pursuit of love only led her into sin. On top of that was the judgment of man. What a load! Jesus came along and freed her from it all. He defied man’s judgment so He could reach her heart. Her faith freed her from everyone’s opinion but His.
This encounter with Jesus gave her so much courage that her reputation in town no longer mattered. He mattered! She was free! John 10:10 says that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give us abundant life. He wants this for us. He doesn’t want us looking for love in all the wrong places, and yet He doesn’t want to stifle our hearts’ desires. He wants to be the one we go to.
He knew the Samaritan woman’s greatest need was forgiveness, acceptance, and unconditional love. He knew He would ultimately go to the cross to make this possible. She walked away free. When we look back at what He did, we can receive the same freedom. I’m so grateful for His covering over me, His acceptance, and my freedom from condemnation. This is the living water He gives. It is a fresh, bubbling spring within. It is eternal life.
Judy Linscheid
Writing Team