16 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

17 “I have no husband,” the woman replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. 18 In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.”

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I see that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.”

21 “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.”

26 Jesus answered, “I who speak to you am He.”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mary Hong

Yesterday we heard about the moment when Jesus met this Samaritan woman at the well. He offered her “living water” (v10), but she didn’t understand – she thought he was talking about literal water that would permanently take away her physical thirst.

Today, Jesus changes the direction of the conversation. He asks her, with graciousness and sensitivity, about her husband (v16-18). However, she still is not convinced about who she is speaking to. She thinks Jesus is merely a prophet (v19) and that the Messiah is yet to come (v25).

At that point, Jesus gives her clarity as he proclaims: "I who speak to you am he." (v26)

What strikes me most is the fact that Jesus already knew this woman before He started speaking with her. Even though he was only passing through the town of Samaria on his way to Galilee, Jesus was familiar with her story (v16-18). He had supernatural knowledge of the shameful details of her personal life, yet he was interested in her and cared about her.

That got me thinking about what it must have been like to be that woman at the well. She probably wasn't well regarded by her own people, yet she had learned and knew about the Messiah and was waiting for His arrival – but she didn’t realise He had already come! It must have been an astounding moment when she realised and believed that she was speaking to the Messiah Himself. Later in the chapter, we will hear about how she goes home and excitedly tells all her friends about Jesus the Saviour.

It’s so amazing that this meeting and interaction with Jesus soon becomes her personal testimony.

I am also reminded of my faith journey. For a long time, I doubted and didn't accept Jesus into my life as my Saviour. I recall having many excuses. In many ways, I too was limited in the belief system I had known. I recall asking the “doubt” questions, taking time to reflect – and then one day it happened: I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.

Friend, if you are still in doubt, is there a Saviour you are longing for? Are you still searching or waiting in hope? What is it that you need to find peace in your heart and believe in Him?

If you are someone who already believes in Jesus: Are there areas in your life where you are still waiting for hope? Is there anywhere in your life you are still hoping to find peace to settle your heart?

Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well is a reminder of the reason He came into world. He came to the waiting, longing hearts, to a world in need of hope. As we gather to celebrate His birth this week, may we make room to reflect and remember: That hope has come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.