The WellSampel

Trust what Jesus can do with just a little bit of you.

In this part of the story, the woman is now confronted with a decision. She knew there was something different about him. When she went to the well to get water, she was in despair and empty. But when she returned after her encounter with Jesus, her heart shifted from complete despair to being flooded with hope. She left the jar behind to go tell those in the village about this man.

Her status was due to her heritage, being a woman, a 5-time divorcee, and now living with a man outside of marriage. Everything about her life suddenly paled in comparison to the fact that she came face-to- face with the Son of the living God. She left the jar behind. She needed to get back to town as quickly as possible. She had no qualms about speaking publicly to the town. “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

We saw from yesterday’s reading that when we encounter the authentic Jesus, we’re confronted with the truth about who we are. We’re also confronted with the truth about who He is. She received just a taste of that Living Water, and she wanted more. Not only did she want more, but she also wanted her people to have what she had.

Consider this: Her ex-husbands may have been among those in the town. The man she was living with would’ve most likely been there. There she was, boldly proclaiming that a man just told her everything she ever did. If these men were present, they would’ve probably been filled with shock and shame, as well.

Either way, this woman received a taste of Living Water, and the joy she had as a result was completely uncontainable. The flood gates of Heaven were opened, and God’s Living Water had just burst forth to an entire Samaritan community through the testimony of this woman! This was a community that was rejected by God’s people but now shown acceptance by God directly. They received just a taste of that Living Water and now they wanted more, too. John 4:30 says: “They came out of the town and made their way toward him.”

Here’s a key takeaway from today’s reading: Jesus invites ALL to receive Living Water.

This part of the story opened the flood gates of Heaven, showing the world that Jesus gives HOPE; not only to the Jews, but to all who receive this Living Water. Later in Acts 1:8, Jesus says these words: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

As you read this part of the story, consider the implications that this has on your life today. God’s Living Water will never stop flowing.