ONE: Uniting Hearts, Bringing People to Jesus

John 4:4–18 CEB

4 Jesus had to go through Samaria. 5 He came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, which was near the land Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his journey, so he sat down at the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me some water to drink.” 8 His disciples had gone into the city to buy him some food. 9 The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.) 10 Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you don’t have a bucket and the well is deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave this well to us, and he drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will never be thirsty and will never need to come here to draw water!” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, get your husband, and come back here.” 17 The woman replied, “I don’t have a husband.” “You are right to say, ‘I don’t have a husband,’ ” Jesus answered. 18 “You’ve had five husbands, and the man you are with now isn’t your husband. You’ve spoken the truth.”

ONE: Uniting Hearts, Bringing People to Jesus

Have you ever wondered how Jesus was able to touch the lives of so many people during His time on Earth?

This story of the powerful encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at the well shows us Jesus' intentional approach to bringing people to Himself.

Imagine for a moment that you are attending a magical show. The stage is adorned with colorful lights, and the magician stands in the center, ready to perform his incredible tricks. As the show begins, the magician starts to mesmerize the audience with his magical touch.

First, he reaches out and touches a bouquet of flowers, instantly transforming them into a flock of beautiful butterflies that flutter around the theater, bringing joy to everyone. The crowd is amazed and captivated by the magical touch that the magician possesses.

Next, the magician extends his hand towards a stack of playing cards. With a simple touch, each card turns into a different animal, creating a delightful zoo right before everyone's eyes. Laughter fills the air as the animals playfully interact with the audience.

The magician's final trick involves a box filled with broken pieces of a puzzle. With a gentle touch, the pieces come together, forming a breathtaking image that leaves the spectators in awe. The once-scattered fragments are now united, telling a beautiful story.

In many ways, Jesus' life on Earth was like that of a master magician, but with a crucial difference. His touch wasn't based on tricks or illusions but on genuine love, compassion, and the power of God.

Every person Jesus encountered felt that mysterious magic touch in their lives. The touch that healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and brought hope to the hopeless. It was a touch that transformed lives and mended broken hearts.

But what made Jesus' touch so extraordinary? It was the perfect blend of His divinity and humanity. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, possessed an unmatched ability to connect with people on a deep level. He saw their pain, their struggles, and their longing for something more.

I was thinking about when Jesus reached out, it wasn't merely a physical touch; it was a touch that acknowledged the person's worth, their value, and their inherent dignity. It was a touch that conveyed, "You matter. You are loved." How often when we "reach out" do we convey "You don't matter or I'll love you if...." Remember what Jesus said "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." They do matter and they are loved.

Just as the magician's touch brought joy, amazement, and unity, Jesus' touch brought abundant life, salvation, and reconciliation. And the most astonishing part is that Jesus' touch is still available to us today. He longs to touch our lives, to transform our brokenness into something beautiful and meaningful.

Jesus arrived at the well, weary and thirsty, but His primary thirst was for the souls of people (John 4:6-7).

He initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman, demonstrating His willingness to connect with her at a personal level.

Just as Jesus engaged in conversation, we must build relationships with people, seeking to understand their stories, struggles, and questions, before sharing the life-changing message of Jesus.

Let's investigate how it was that Jesus was able to interact with various crowds and bring them closer to the transformative love of God because He made the conscious choice to be where people gather together. We can be witnesses to the power of His strategic encounters and gain valuable insights into how we, too, can effectively reach out to others and bring them to a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus made the intentional choice to go where people gather

John 4:4 “4 Jesus had to go through Samaria.”

Notice to very important words there - “had to.” Jesus had to go through Samaria. The normal route for a good Jew was three extra days by crossing over the Jordan River and going up that Eastern route. A good Jew would avoid Samaria at all costs.

Just for a second, put yourself in the shoes of an adventurous explorer who is about to go on an exciting journey. You set off on an adventure to discover exciting new places and diverse cultures, armed with a map and a heart brimming with curiosity about the world around you.

During your travels across unexplored territory, you come upon something that piques your interest. There are certain sites, such as crowded markets, colorful town squares, and other social gathering spots, where people tend to gather. These locations are alive with activity and are packed with people from a wide variety of walks of life who engage in conversations, trading stories, and building relationships with one another.

You have the adventurous spirit of an explorer, and you have made up your mind to venture into these meeting places. You are ready to gain insight, understand, and build meaningful relationships with the people you meet there. You are aware that if you immerse yourself in these types of meeting spaces, you will increase your chances of coming into contact with people who have a variety of opinions, experiences, and possibilities to bring about positive change.

Now, let's take a moment to reflect and make a comparison to the deliberate decision that Jesus took to go to the places where people gather. Jesus, the ultimate heart explorer, set out on a mission to search out and save those who were lost, to provide hope to those who were hopeless, and to offer the message of salvation, which can transform a person's life.

Jesus, like our daring adventurer, understood the significance of traveling to places where people naturally congregated. He did this on purpose by walking through the busy streets, going into people's homes, and engaging in discussions with people from all different kinds of backgrounds. It was his goal to find people in the midst of their regular activities and social gatherings so that he was able to interact with them.

Jesus was well aware that the best way to engage with people, hear their experiences, and impart the message of God's love and salvation into their lives was for Him to integrate Himself fully into the fabric of society. He did this so that He could connect with them on a personal basis. Jesus visited people where they were most comfortable, allowing him to speak to their hearts and have an impact on their lives. He did this whether it was a fisherman tossing nets into the water, a tax collector calculating cash, or a lady getting water from a well.

Jesus' profound love for humanity was made apparent when he chose to go to places where people gathered on purpose. He demonstrated that there was no one He could not reach, that no one was too lost to be discovered, and that there was no place where people would gather that He could not enter. His conscious choice to interact with people in the ordinary aspects of their lives showed His desire to connect with them, relate to them, and ultimately bring them to an experience with God that would transform their lives.

As followers of Christ, we have the responsibility to follow in the footsteps of Jesus by making the deliberate decision to go to places where people gather. It could be in the places we work or go to school, in our communities offline or online, or even in our neighborhoods. We create opportunities for genuine friendships, conversations, and occasions to talk about the love that Jesus has for us by immersing ourselves in the environments where people congregate.

Let us make a conscious decision to go where people are, just as the daring explorer seeks out meeting spots in pursuit of new discoveries. We have the ability to bring the message of God's love, grace, and salvation to those who have the greatest need for it by just being there, having compassion, and being willing to get involved.

Always keep in mind that any location presents us with an opportunity to make a difference and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that is hungry for hope and significance. So let us enter into the gathering places of life with courage, prepared to take on the challenge of drawing others closer to Jesus.

So let us now make our way to the well and see for ourselves how Jesus, through meaningful conversations and the cultivation of meaningful relationships, created doors of opportunity that led to transformation. We can gain priceless insights into how to interact with others in an authentic manner and how to create connections with them in a way that ultimately brings them closer to Jesus if we look at how He approached things.

Jesus went to the well and engaged in conversation to build a relationship

Look there at verses John 4:6-7 “6 Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was tired from his journey, so he sat down at the well. It was about noon. 7 A Samaritan woman came to the well to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me some water to drink.””

Just picture this: Jesus, worn out from the journey and in need of a drink, finally arrives at a well in Samaria. People would gather to this particular well in order to draw water and engage in conversation with one another as they waited in line. This well served as a gathering spot for the neighborhood. Jesus viewed it as an opportunity to connect with someone who was struggling, despite the fact that it was a routine task.

When Jesus got closer to the well, He saw a Samaritan woman there by herself to draw water. Now, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the historical setting of this situation. Jews and Samaritans had tense ties due to the significant cultural and religious differences that existed between the two groups. In spite of this, Jesus, being motivated by His love for each and every person, made the decision to strike up a conversation with her.

In order to break through the boundaries of cultural conventions and social expectations, he asked her for a drink of water. By doing so, Jesus showed that he was willing to interact with her despite the fact that they were fundamentally different. A conversation that would have an indelible effect on the woman's life was made possible by this simple gesture.

During the course of their conversation, Jesus revealed the depth of his understanding of her life. He talked about the thirst that couldn't be satisfied by drinking the water that was available from the well. He appealed to the more profound need that existed within her spirit, the yearning for something more, something that would genuinely satisfy her.

He paid close attention to what she had to say and exhibited a sincere interest in her story, her difficulties, and the questions she had. Jesus established rapport, respect, and empathy with his listeners simply by having conversations with them.

The woman eventually opened up to them, discussing both her past and her current situation as their conversation progressed. She voiced her awe at Jesus' wisdom and acknowledged that he was a prophet. At that same instant, a relationship was established; it was a friendship that was built on vulnerability, understanding and the frank sharing of truth by both individuals.

The conversation that took place between Jesus and the Samaritan woman provides us with important insights regarding the development of relationships. The example that Jesus set for us compels us to move beyond superficial interactions with other people and instead cultivate genuine, profound connections with them.

To be more like Jesus, we must to be willing to leave our comfort zones, interact with individuals who come from a variety of backgrounds, and begin conversations that are meaningful. When we do so, we are able to uncover the challenges, questions, and yearnings that are buried deep within their hearts.

Let's show the people we're talking to that we care by actively listening to them with interest and compassion while we have these conversations. Without passing judgment or harboring preconceived views, let us make an effort to comprehend the histories, points of view, and experiences of other people. These are the kinds of exchanges that allow us to create trust, respect, and friendship with one another, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman.

The event that took place at the well serves as a potent reminder of the significance of fostering communication in order to cultivate meaningful relationships. The willingness of Jesus to have a conversation with the Samaritan woman resulted in a profound transformation of her life and a strong testimony that had an effect on her entire town.

Let us imitate the way in which He interacted with others by approaching them with love, starting conversations, and listening closely to what others had to say. We offer opportunities to convey the message of Jesus, which is one that may transform a person's life, and bring hope to people who are searching for something more by cultivating relationships that are founded on understanding, empathy, and respect.

We are about to enter a pivotal turning point in the story, and as we do so, we will see the dramatic impact that the woman's willingness to open the door and Jesus' loving response as He walks through it had on the situation. This moment paves the way for open communication and experiences that can profoundly alter one's life, and it creates the conditions necessary for a relationship that is both profound and transformative. Let us look into this remarkable situation and discover the significant truths it contains for us as we work to bring more people into a relationship with Jesus.

The woman opened the door, and Jesus walked through it

The Samaritan woman, initially surprised by Jesus' request for water, engaged in dialogue, which led to a profound spiritual encounter John 4:9-15 “9 The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.) 10 Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you don’t have a bucket and the well is deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 You aren’t greater than our father Jacob, are you? He gave this well to us, and he drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks from the water that I will give will never be thirsty again. The water that I give will become in those who drink it a spring of water that bubbles up into eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will never be thirsty and will never need to come here to draw water!””

The Samaritan woman was astonished by Jesus' real interest in her life, so she made place for Him. Trust and vulnerability were intertwined. Jesus, full of compassion and kindness, passed through her opened door.

At that point, the woman's willingness to talk allowed Jesus to enter her world, her struggles, and her deepest desires. She surrendered, acknowledging that she needed something bigger than herself.

Jesus entered through the open door without judgment or condemnation. He brought hope, understanding, and love. Despite her past and social barriers, he accepted her. He found her.

Jesus never avoided the woman's questions or her terrible circumstances. He candidly discussed her main issues with her. He immediately demonstrated His willingness to walk with her on her tough path and guide her to recovery and transformation.

Jesus' response to the woman's openness showed that He saw her worth and value as a human. He saw potential for growth, redemption, and a new purpose in her life.

The woman opening the door reminds us to be vulnerable and open with Jesus. God answers our prayers with compassion, grace, and a willingness to walk with us.

Like Jesus did with the woman at the well, we can meet individuals in their struggles, doubts, and concerns. Listening, understanding, and sharing Jesus' love can provide hope and healing.

When we enter another's vulnerable area, we can develop important connections, support each other, and reflect Christ's love. When we show empathy, non-judgment, and a sincere desire to understand people, we create a safe space for them to open up and experience God's grace.

When the Samaritan woman opened the door, Jesus entered with compassion, understanding, and love. Her vulnerability led to a life-changing salvation experience. When we let Jesus and others into our hearts, we allow genuine connection, personal growth, and tremendous transformation.

Let's have the courage to expose our hearts to Jesus and let Him meet our deepest needs and help us through life's challenges. Allow Him to walk with us. Let us also open the door of empathy and understanding to others, accepting vulnerability to share Christ's love.We may build honest relationships, offer hope, and share the life-changing message of God's grace by following Jesus and stepping through others' doors.

After recognizing the woman's openness and Jesus' response, we look at how Jesus connected relationally, laying the groundwork for genuine communication. Jesus gained the right to freely discuss the woman's questions and problems by investing in this relationship. Let's look at this relational approach and discover practical ways to gain the privilege to speak openly into others' lives.

Jesus took the time to connect relationally and earn the right to speak candidly

Jesus demonstrated the importance of building a relationship before addressing the woman's deepest needs John 4:16-18 “16 Jesus said to her, “Go, get your husband, and come back here.” 17 The woman replied, “I don’t have a husband.” “You are right to say, ‘I don’t have a husband,’ ” Jesus answered. 18 “You’ve had five husbands, and the man you are with now isn’t your husband. You’ve spoken the truth.””

Jesus and the Samaritan woman talking by the well. Jesus' deliberate decision to create a relationship before speaking openly into her life was amazing. Jesus knew the significance of building trust and earning the right to speak before delivering His message. He understood that trust-based relationships create real change.

Jesus treated the woman with respect, empathy, and real interest in her experience. He carefully listened and asked questions to understand her challenges. Through this relationship, Jesus expressed His desire to know her and address her real difficulties.

Jesus showed the woman she was valued, heard, and seen by spending time with her. He won her trust by caring about her well-being and showing compassion. This relationship engagement prepared Him to speak candidly and transformatively.

Jesus addressed the woman's deep questions and problems with wisdom and power when the time was appropriate. He addressed her deepest concerns and exposed Himself as the living water that could quench her thirst. His words brought hope, healing, and a new life, not judgment.

Christian relationships should be built on trust, respect, and understanding. We build trust by getting to know individuals, listening to their stories, and empathizing with their challenges. This helps us to speak truth and share Jesus' love. We gain credibility as God's truth-bearers through relationships. We create a safe atmosphere for meaningful conversation by approaching talks with humility, empathy, and a sincere desire to understand.

Jesus' example of relational connection shows us the power of developing relationships and earning the right to speak candidly. Genuine connections build trust and respect, allowing us to have life-changing talks. Let's follow Jesus by connecting with others, listening, and showing compassion. Relational engagement allows us to speak openly into people's lives, bringing hope, truth, and the transformative message of God's love.

We should value genuine relationships, investing in others' well-being, and speaking truth into their life. By doing so, we can alter lives and bring people closer to Jesus and His abundant life.

What is your well?

The heartfelt conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well prompts us to ask, "What is your well?" This question prompts us to consider the places and situations where we might purposefully interact with others and offer Jesus' transformational message.

Each of us has a metaphorical well—a unique area of influence in our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, or online platforms—like the Samaritan well. These are where people naturally gather, build relationships, and have the opportunity to share Jesus.

"What is your well?" challenges us to purposefully engage with others like Jesus did. It encourages us to find places to connect, listen, and uplift.

We can start conversations and listen to coworkers at the lunch table. We can volunteer at the local community center and help the needy. It may even be our own social media channels, where we may inspire, discuss, and spread God's love.

Recognizing and accepting our wells opens us to heavenly chances to help others. We purposefully show up, care, and share Jesus' love and grace.

"What is your well?" inspires us to enter public spaces. It pushes us to perceive these settings not as casual meetings but as divine appointments where we might be ambassadors of Jesus' love and agents of transformation.

Let us be brave in embracing our specific spheres of influence and discovering ways to positively touch others. Let us faithfully represent Christ in our wells through acts of kindness, insightful conversations, and the life-changing gospel of Jesus.

Let us go where people meet, talk, interact, and earn the right to speak candidly, as Jesus did. By doing so, we can give thirsty people hope, healing, and the transformative power of God's love.

So, what is your well? It's time to embrace the adventure of bringing people closer to Jesus and making a lasting impact on others. As you shed the light of Jesus in a needy world, may your well be a source of blessing, connection, and transformation.