Written by Melissa Longval
In John chapter 4, we meet the Samaritan woman at the well. As is well known, Jews and Samaritans hated each other and would go out of their way to avoid contact. Through this purposeful encounter with this woman, Jesus reveals much about His heart and care for us.
As the sun was hot and high in the sky, the woman approached the well where Jesus sat, alone. Water was gathered in the cool of the morning and evening, and was a social gathering spot for women. But not this woman.
She went for water when no one would be there. She was an outsider…an outcast. Rejected by her people for poor choices and seemingly bad character. Nothing was hidden from Jesus…He knew her story before she opened her mouth. He chose that spot at that time…He chose her.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” John 4: 17-18
Though He revealed her shame, there was no one to condemn her. In His kindness, Jesus helped her face what had separated her from the rest of her people. Then He used the very thing that separated her to bring her healing and redemption.
Jesus chose a broken and damaged woman to bring the good news to the Samaritan village!
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. John 4: 39-41
Is shame of past choices keeping you from telling others about the love of Christ? Do you believe the lie that you are not good enough or smart enough or clean enough to be used by Jesus? The very story that you try to hide can be the tool that Jesus will use to bring others to Him.
There is freedom in Christ…freedom from our past…freedom from our reputations…freedom from our failures.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Galatians 5: 13-14
As the Samaritan woman, let’s boldly exclaim, “He told me everything I ever did…and He still loves me! Come, meet Him and learn of His love for you too!”
And as we serve others, may our Bibles be worn from reading, our hands be rough from tender care, our arms be tired from reaching others, our feet be tough from following hard after Jesus, and our hearts be full knowing we are eternally loved!
Until next time,
Melissa Longval
Uniquely Yours Ministries 