The Woman at the Well - part 4

Jesus knows where we are. 

Jesus knows our hearts. 

As we finish our study of this passage in John chapter four about the woman at the well, we see that this Samaritan woman had tried to fulfill her needs and emptiness through encounters with many men. Five, to be exact, had taken their turn, trying to fulfill her desires. However, this time, she met the only One who truly meets our needs and satisfies our souls. Jesus’ request for a drink of water drew Him to her, and her need for truth and life drew her to Him.

Whenever we encounter Jesus, no matter the place or the situation, Jesus is able to unveil our coverings, take off our "masks," and find the true reasons of our needs within us. We understand from these Scriptures that He knew that inside the Samaritan woman was a hurting heart that craved truth and healing. SHE was the one who needed a “drink,” and immediately Jesus steered His questions in that direction. These questions led her to a place of receiving truth.

Have you ever had Jesus question you? Has He questioned your motives or questioned your choices?

When Jesus begins to lead us into truth, we sometimes find ourselves facing ugly realities. This woman was forced to look at where she had been to figure out where she was going. Jesus knew at what point to drive home questions, and at what point and where to place the hook. He wanted her to face up to the reality of her life without her feeling condemned so that she could then find freedom.

Jesus started their discussion by asking for a drink of water and finished the dialogue with revealing the truth regarding worship. Wow! Talk about a rapid transition of topics and getting to the point!

You see, worship was not about what mountain to build a temple on, or even who should build it. Worship was all about Who was worshipped and how. Jesus knew this woman would carry the message of worship to the village and this is why He steered their conversation in that direction. Worship was more than an argument between tribes, more than an endless debate over rights, and more than something men could market.

Truly, worship is adoration birthed out of one’s spirit and done out of the truth as to Who Jesus is and who we are because of Him. In discovering Jesus, the Samaritan woman had found truth. She had found herself, and she had found an endless source of Living Water to cleanse her soul, wash away her sins, refresh her mind, and renew her heart.

And just like Jesus knew the needs of this woman at the well, He also knows our every need. He knows our life, our past, and our future. He knows that through our worship, the river that flows out of Him to us will wash us clean. Psalm 51:2 in the Amplified Bible says:  “Wash me thoroughly and repeatedly from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin.”

Worship protects our soul, leading us into divine thoughts to recognize God’s sovereignty, grace, protection, and provision. As we sit at the well with Jesus and take time to soak in His presence, we worship Him and magnify His Name. The problems of this world lessen in our minds and His greatness increases in our heart.

Finally, worshipping Jesus motivated this woman to tell others about Him. She could not wait to tell the whole village about the man at the well who knew her heart and her life. Her divine encounter led her to a heartfelt desire to share Him with the people she knew. Having lived a life of shame, humiliation, loneliness, and disgrace, she had found freedom, all through one encounter at the well.

Maybe Jesus is calling you to the well. Maybe He is asking you to bring Him a drink that He might spend time with you. Maybe you have faced divorce, humiliation, mistreatment, or pain. Jesus is at the well right now looking for you. Take some time to pray and dialogue with Him. Tell Him your disappointments, tell Him your hurt, and tell Him what has upset you. I promise you He will meet you at the well.

Where is the well? Right where you are, reading this blog entry today. He is here. Reach out and let Him touch you. Would you pray this prayer and meditate on His promises? I know that He will satisfy your soul and fill your empty places! 

“Lord Jesus, here I am at the well. There is so much I have gone through. (List it all to Him right now, either by writing it down or telling Him aloud.)  I am asking you, Lord, to take it all. Forgive me for all my sins. Forgive me for everything I have ever done to hurt or harm Your Name. Forgive me for anyone I have ever hurt. Come into my heart and be the Lord of my life. Teach me to worship You with all my heart, and lead me that I might honor You all the days of my life.” Amen.

Remember:

Jesus knows where we are.

Jesus knows our hearts.

Jesus knows our every need.

Dr. Sharon Predovich