ChangeMakers: Unsung Women of the Bible (Vol 2)નમૂનો

Photina, the Samaritan Woman

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well is a powerful story of transformation, grace, and mission. She felt like an outcast, avoiding others by drawing water in the harsh noonday sun. Her life changed forever when she met Jesus—a man who broke societal norms to speak to her soul and offer her living water.

Though the road through Samaria was the shortest route from Jerusalem to Galilee, Jews often avoided it, viewing Samaritans as unclean. Yet, Scripture tells us that Jesus "needed to go through Samaria," intentionally breaking cultural norms and societal prejudice. His love transcends all barriers.

The Samaritan woman, later baptized and named Photina, was shocked when Jesus asked her for a drink. In her time, Jews avoided Samaritans, and men rarely spoke to women publicly. But Jesus saw her not as society labeled her but as someone worthy of His attention and love. By engaging her, He shattered cultural and gender standards, opening the door to transformation.

When Jesus spoke of living water, Photina misunderstood, focusing on the physical rather than the spiritual—just as we often fixate on temporary solutions for eternal needs. Yet, when He revealed knowledge of her past, her honesty led to deeper conversation. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered her freedom. Her story reminds us that acknowledging the truth of our lives is the starting point for transformation. Jesus invites us to drink deeply of His grace, which satisfies and renews the soul.

Transformed by her encounter with Jesus, Photina left her water jar and ran to tell her village about Him. Her testimony led many to believe. According to tradition, she was baptized and spent her life evangelizing, converting towns to Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church venerates her as St. Photina, “the enlightened one,” and honors her as equal to the apostles for her work in strengthening the early church.

Her story reminds us that God can rewrite even the most painful pasts. When we surrender to Him, He calls us by a new name and launches us into a new mission. Photina’s journey shows that one encounter with Jesus changes everything. He meets us in our mess, speaks truth over us, and calls us into a new identity. No matter your struggles, Jesus offers living water that never runs dry. Will you drink deeply today?

Prayer & Meditation

Imagine Jesus choosing to walk an unpopular path just to encounter YOU!
That's exactly what He's done. He loves you, but sometimes, we struggle to accept His free gift of living water. As you look at the artwork above, ask yourself the following questions:

What limiting beliefs are holding me back from what God's called me to do?
What might God be calling me to leave behind so I can fully embrace my purpose?
Who in my life needs to hear my story of transformation?
What obstacles or societal labels have made me feel unseen or unworthy?
How does knowing Jesus actively seeks to meet me where I am change my perspective?

Take some time to pray and journey through your responses...then let Jesus meet you right where you are.

Written by Cheryl Nembhard

Photo Credit: Bible Art