Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of
Samaria came to draw water." (Jn. 4:5-12)
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AT THE WELL
The late Rev Dr. James Cone said, “I know what your faith is NOT by what you confess but ONLY by what you do.” Who was this Samaritan woman and what defines her? It is not that she was involved in relationships with at least six men, and the latest relationship was illicit. It was not that she came to the well during the heat of the day to avoid being ostracized for sleeping around. There are two things that truly defined the Samaritan woman: her willingness to bare her soul to the Christ who lives and the power of her witness after her conversation with the Christ who lives.
Cleansed by the Living Water, she left her water jar and all of her issues at the well with Jesus. Many Samaritans from that city believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony. “He told me everything that I ever did” (John 4:39). She was no longer haunted by her past because she was open to a conversation with Jesus. This is our season to begin the in-depth conversation with Jesus, let Him manage our issues and tell others what he is doing in our life. Many in the neighborhood believed because of her testimony. Who believes because of yours? The Samaritan woman stayed in the conversation at a difficult moment and her life was changed. People knew what she did and were moved to quench their thirst with Living Water. Want some of what the Samaritan woman had? Do this: talk to Jesus every day before you talk to your neighbor.
Deacon Timothy Tilghman, The Neighborhood Deacon, Author