“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So, when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They told the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.” John 4:39-42 NIV
The story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well is filled with valuable historical, cultural, and theological information that we may gloss over because we have heard the story often. Rereading it while imagining we are talking with Jesus at the well might make sharing His story easier. Jesus and the woman talked about their stories while engaging in a commonplace activity. During their interaction, the woman does not appear to be focused on her status in the village or her past shortfalls. She is interested in the idea that God wants to give her something she had not imagined receiving. Their short yet deep conversation inspired the woman to the point where she ran to tell others about Jesus. That is what Jesus’ story should do to us. While going about our daily lives, Jesus’ story should inspire us to use our story to tell others how living water given by Jesus will well up to eternal life.
Rereading the story of the encounter at the well gives us insight into discipleship and evangelism going hand in hand. When we believe Jesus, we should be drawn to know more about Him and share that knowledge. The story reminds us that we should be prepared to tell others what Jesus has done for us. We should be like the Samaritan woman and evangelize (share the gospel). In our own words, we should tell our family, friends, and even strangers what has happened in our own lives. The story reinforces that people will become interested when we share what God has done for us. We must trust that the Holy Spirit goes before us to prepare people to hear our story, and if we are willing, He will nudge us when the encounter is proper. How did the Samaritan woman spread the news about Jesus? She told what she knew and experienced. When we share our experience, we plant the idea that others can believe in God, not because of what we said, but because of what they see in their lives. When we share God’s hope, lives will be changed.
Trust that Jesus wants His story told and that He can use your life to talk about His. Remember that the Samaritan woman went to the well to do something she had probably been doing routinely since belonging to the village. However, God used her daily life to touch her eternal one and then used her story as a catalyst to tell others about Jesus. Will you take some time to reread the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan women at Jacob’s well? It is found in the gospel of John, chapter 4, verses 1-42. Are you willing to give a thirsty person a drink? Over the next week, while we do life, there will be opportunities to talk with others. Will you ask the Holy Spirit to prepare someone to hear your story?