Jesus and a Samaritan Woman

He Knows Me

In the fourth chapter of John, we see a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman, at a well, in the hot noon hour. 

Jesus is tired and thirsty. He is human. His disciples go to town to try and get some food for him. He is alone.

The Samaritan woman comes to the well at an unusual hour. It’s not logical to come to get water in the middle of the day, when it is at its hottest, unless you are trying to avoid being with others.

Jesus asks the woman for a drink. In that simple request he breaks through so many societal borders. Jews and Samaritans had nothing to do with one another, and a man talking to a woman...alone, not acceptable. Husbands didn’t even talk with wives and daughters in public at this time. Everything about this exchange is radical.

I find it interesting that Jesus doesn’t perform any miracles, doesn’t heal anyone, doesn’t tell anyone their sins are forgiven or to take up their mat and walk. He doesn’t calm a storm or bring anyone back from the dead...there are no signs and wonders in this exchange between Jesus and the woman. 

Instead...he offers her living water...unending, fresh, eternal living water. Of course she wants that! Who wouldn’t? But first He draws her attention to her need of grace...He lets her know that He is aware of who she is and the things that she would probably prefer others didn’t know about her (five husbands and the fact that she’s not married to the one she’s with right now). He doesn’t hold any of it back or try to make light of it. He’s truthful without being cruel.

She immediately recognizes that He is something special...a prophet. She doesn’t say it, but I can imagine that she also recognizes, she is a sinner, in need of grace.

They talk about worship, and how simple, honest, true living before God is what is best.

The disciples return and without saying a word they convey to the woman their lack of love and understanding, which stands in stark contrast to the way Jesus has been interacting with her. She felt safe with Jesus, even knowing that He knew everything about her. She felt love with Jesus, even without Him saying I love you. I try to imagine what that must have felt like...love that requires no words, it just covers everything in an undeniable way.

She goes back to town in such a hurry that she leaves her water pot behind. The task is forgotten, the message is more important. She’s running back to tell the people who have probably judged her harshly for many years about Jesus and all she can say is “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” 

Her testimony is obviously compelling because many of the town people come and speak to Jesus for themselves, and believe that yes, He is the Messiah. And then, Jesus, in a move even more radical, decides to spend two more days there to talk further with the people! 

When we read this I’m not sure we can really understand how baffling this whole exchange and visit must have been, Jesus blew away every societal norm. 

What captures me though, is how Jesus “knowing” the woman inside and out, was what compelled her to believe that He was the Messiah. 

In today’s world, I think we underestimate the power of love and knowing one another across race, gender, socioeconomic levels, education, etc. I can’t help but wonder how many people walk by me every day...just wanting someone to care enough to know them, to really care. I recognize this because I feel the same way. 

Jesus help us all to love the way you do,

Ruth Spencer