Don’t you just love the fact that the woman at the well was one of the earliest evangelists, ever. Quite an unlikely pick you might think, and here’s why. She was a Samaritan, a group of people looked down up by the Jews at the time. She was a woman, which according to the societal norms of that day was considered less than. She had had many husbands, but not only that, the man she was currently living with was not even her husband! She really had nothing going for her, by human standards that is. But when she encountered Jesus, all that did not matter. Jesus is bigger than our shortcomings and all the labels society tries to pin on us. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, our lives are never left the same after that.
Jesus acknowledged her past but saw her for the woman He created and predestined her to be. He invited her to partake of the living water, in spite of the baggage. Jesus basically said to her; come as you are. Not first go change and clean up your life then come but come now as you are and I will do the transformation. For Jesus alone has the power to change hearts and transform lives. ‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
The impact that one encounter she had with Jesus was so great and so powerful that people looked beyond her past as she passionately shared with them the Gospel; the good news about the Man who told her everything she had ever done. The Messiah. This encourages me not to look down on myself but be bold as I tell people about Jesus. If I truly believe He is worth following, then I should spread the word. Look at it this way, don’t you tell all your friends about a flash sale that’s going on in your favorite store? Are you quick to share such good news that will help your friends get discounts on products they love? Then why not share that good news about Jesus Christ who died for their sins and is the only way, truth and life?
Sometimes, the thing that holds us back from witnessing for Jesus is the sin we have committed in the past. Or the fact that those you are trying to witness to know all your struggles. That did not stop the woman at the well. She was living in sin, as Jesus Himself pointed out. But her approach was not to say look at me I’m perfect, it was to say look at Jesus, He is perfect. He knows all and still loves me and wants to change my life. Ours is to point others to Christ, He will do the transformation.
“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 said to 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 Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42
If the woman at the well could share the gospel, despite of and inspire of the public’s perception and opinions about her life, then so can you and I. They still listened to her because of her conviction and the power of Cod that follows those who share the Gospel.
I pray that the next time you feel led to share the Good News with a neighbor, co worker, family remember of stranger but feel self-conscious, unworthy or scared, you remember the woman at the well. Her her courage and passion bring you the encouragement you need to take a step of faith and witness for your Savior.
“The disciples spread [the Good News] everywhere. The Lord worked with them. He confirmed his word by the miraculous signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20
PIN THIS!
Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
