A Well of Hope: Encountering Christ's Transforming Love

Intro

Mary once shared how her struggles with insecurity and shame seemed like a wall that isolated her from others. Anytime anything went wrong, she felt like it was her fault. She constantly felt the shame of not being good enough.

But one day during a church gathering, a friend told her that God loved her just as she was. That simple reminder acted like a sledgehammer, breaking down her wall. Now, she shares her story of transformation, encouraging others to embrace God’s love and reflect on how it can turn their shame into a testimony of hope.

That’s exactly what happens in this story in John 4. In this story, Jesus is heading to Galilee from Judea and goes through Samaria. Jews didn’t go through Samaria. So let’s look at this story and learn from Jesus tonight.

1. Jesus Reaches Beyond all Barriers

John 4:1–4 NLT

1 Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). 3 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way.

As you can see, to go from Judea to Galilee meant he had to pass through Samaria, or go a very long way out of the way. Most Jews would go around or do anything to avoid going into Samaria.

Samaria

The history - After the Northern kingdom with it’s capital of Samaria fell to the Assyrians, many Jews were deported to Assyria and foreigners were brought in from Assyria to settle the land and to help keep the peace. These foreigners intermarried with the remaining Jews which resulted in a mixed race called Samaritans. The Jews hated this mixed race of people because they felt that their fellow Jews had betrayed their people, their nation and their faith. Jews were not to marry anyone other than another Jew.

The Samaritans set up an alternative to Jerusalem for their worship at Mt. Gerizim. Jesus went through Samaria to offer the Samaritans the same thing he offered Nicodemus, the offer of eternal life by being born again. And by going through Samaria, he showed he was above Jewish prejudices.

The Route through Samaria was shorter, and he had a divine appointment with a woman so he went the shorter route.

John 4:5–7 NLT

5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”

Jacob’s well was on property owned by Jacob. He bought it when he passed through this land. Joseph’s bones are buried in this area. So it was valued by the Samaritans who also claimed Jacob as their father.

It wasn’t a well from an underground river, but it was a well where the water seeped into it from rain and dew collecting at the bottom. It was, as all wells usually were located outside the city along a main road.

So twice per day, morning and evening, women came to draw water. They avoided the middle of the day because it could easily be over 100 degrees hot.

But this Samaritan woman came at noon probably to avoid seeing the other women who knew her reputation. She came with Shame haunting and controlling her life. She came to this well, which was further away than other wells, to avoid anyone who knew her, but she encountered a stranger whom she didn’t know, but sure knew her and it changed her life.

Think about how often we may pass people who are loaded down with guilt and shame. They are doing life hoping to avoid people who really know them. they dread judgement and rejection and live in fear of those very things.

But when they are gently confronted by someone who shows true concern and the love of Jesus, they find relief.

Think about this. When we greet someone with How are you? Do we show that person that we really want to know? Jesus did…

John 4:8–9 NLT

8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

Jews didn’t talk to Samaritans, nor did Jewish men speak with women. So for Jesus to speak to a Samaritan woman was really reaching across racial and gender barriers.

She was not only a Samaritan woman, a member of this hated race, but she was known to be living in sin and no respectable Jewish man would be seen in a public place speaking with her. But Jesus did. This shows that the Good News of the Gospel is for everyone, no matter what their race, social position or past sins are. Jesus love breaks down barriers.

Nancy attended a family reunion where distant relatives met for the first time. Initially, there were awkward silences and nervous laughter. But as they shared stories, the love in that room melted away the hesitance, and barriers like age and background dissolved.

Jesus does the same in our lives, breaking down barriers with His unconditional love, uniting us despite our differences – just like in that family gathering!

We must be prepared to share this good news at any time and in any place. Jesus crossed all barriers to share the Good News, and as his followers, we should as well. And we need to be prepared to share with people who are accustomed to being mistreated and will doubt our motives.

As you go about your daily routine, whether at a coffee shop, gym, or during your work day, be on the lookout for opportunities to engage in conversations with strangers. If someone seems lonely or is reading a book about spirituality, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself ask about what they are reading and share a bit about your faith journey. Simple acts of kindness, like paying for someone’s coffee, can open doors for deeper conversations about hope and the Good News.

2. Jesus Offers Living Water

John 4:10 NLT

10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

What did Jesus mean by living water? Many verses in the OT talk about thirsting after God like one thirsts for water. God is called the Fountain of Life in Psa 36:9 and the fountain of living water is Jer 17:13. Living water represents the gift of life that Jesus offers us today.

In saying that He would bring living water to her that would forever quench her thirst, he was claiming to be the Messiah. Only the Messiah could give this gift of Living Water that satisfies our souls.

But this lady still doesn’t get it. Look what she says…

John 4:11–12 NLT

11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

She is still thinking well water. she may be getting an inkling that he is not just an ordinary person. Jesus certainly accepted her in a way that must have challenged her thinking. John 4:13

John 4:13 NLT

13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.

People need water daily because thirst will always return. This water from the well would satisfy her thirst temporarily. She would always need to return to the well.

It’s the same with all of the other “drinks of life” … they never satisfy. Some even create more thirst. Needs for food, love, sex, security, and approval, even when met do not give complete satisfaction. Attempts to find full satisfaction only lead to disappointment and despair. The Samaritan woman would have to admit that she was not satisfied. She had 5 husbands and the man she was liiving with was not her husband. Relationships won’t completely satisfy that need for Jesus.

John 4:14–15 NLT

14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” 15 “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.”

Many spiritual functions mirror physical functions. As our bodies hunger and thirst, so do our souls. Our souls need spiritual food and water.

But the woman was still confused with the two types of water. Most likely no one had ever talked with her about her spiritual hunger and thirst. We would not deprive our bodies of nourishment, so we should not deprive our souls of nourishment. She thought that the water Jesus was talking about would mean that she would not have to come back to the well for more water. She thought it would make her life easier. Unfortunately a lot of people think that today, and when difficult times come, they fall away.

I mean if following Christ made life easier, everyone would follow him but for the wrong reasons. Jesus didn’t come to take away our challenges, but he came to changes us on the inside and to empower us to deal with and overcome the problems from Gods perspective and with his power.

Indications that living water is flowing within us come from the reality of our new life in Jesus, our awareness of the Spirit within, a sense of direction to life, the specific guidance we receive from God’s Word, opportunities to love and serve others, and the comforting knowledge that we are surrounded by other believers also on the way to heaven

You may find public interactions increasingly divisive and filled with hostility, leaving you uncertain about how to respond. The transformation through Jesus empowers us to be a beacon of light in these situations.

When confronted with negative or toxic conversations in public, intentionally choose to respond with kindness and respect. Share an encouraging word, or listen actively to someone’s opinion, demonstrating Christ-like love. Carry your Bible or a devotional literature to read in public, sparking curiosity and conversations about faith when the opportunity arises.

3. Jesus Transforms Personal Shame

Look what Jesus tells her.

John 4:16–18 NLT

16 “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17 “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18 for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

She must have realized Jesus could not be fooled so she answered him honestly when she said she didn’t have a husband.

Jesus revealed all about her personal life but he didn’t judge her or accuse, nor did he excuse her sinful life. He even affirmed her being honest with him and He offered her a way to come out of the mess that was her life.

Look what she does.

John 4:19–20 NLT

19 “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. 20 So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

She changes the subject. We do this too. When we become uncomfortable with a conversation that’s hitting too close to home, we try to talk about something else. She dodged the personal conversation and tried to discuss theology. People still do that today.

Jesus then shows us what to do as he gently entered the topic she went towards. He didn’t try to bring her back to discussing her sinful lifestyle. He kept her interest by allowing her to direct the discussion.

John 4:21 NLT

21 Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.

She was focused on where you worship, but He told her that where you worship was not nearly as important as your attitude towards worship.

We don’t need to depend on a specific place for worship either. We should be able to worship anywhere we are… with our work… while walking… in church…

Jesus continues…

John 4:22 NLT

22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews.

What he means here is that only through the Jewish Messiah (Himself) would the world find salvation.

God had promised that through Israel, that the whole earth would be blessed. (Gen 12:3). All through the OT, Israel had been called to be a light to the world to bring them to the knowledge of God. This woman would have heard that a Messiah was going to come but didn’t realize that she was talking to him.

John 4:23–24 NLT

23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

He said that God was Spirit so we have to worship Him in spirit. It’s not about a place … temple, church synagogue… that counts, but how we worship. True worship can be anywhere at any time by those who have been born again. You can’t worship in spirit if you have not been indwelled with the Spirit.

Is your worship genuine?

Do you have the Holy Spirit’s help. The Bible says that the Spirit helps us to worship.

The Holy Spirit prays for us. Rom 8:26

Romans 8:26 NLT

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

The Holy Spirit teaches us the words of Jesus. John 14:26

John 14:26 NLT

26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

The Holy Spirit tells us that we are loved. Rom 5:5

Romans 5:5 NLT

5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

We need the Holy Spirit in our lives… for sure. God is Spirit which means he is everywhere at the same time so He can be worshipped anywhere at anytime.

John 4:25–26 NLT

25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”

She is the first person Jesus identifies himself to as the Messiah. She like the disciples was expecting a political Prophet or Messiah. He has taken her, as a sinful Samaritan woman, and identified himself to her.

Jesus love transforms our shame into a testimony.

Sarah always hesitated to share her battle with insecurity. Yet, during a church gathering, she decided to take the plunge and shared her story. The room erupted not in pity but in understanding and empowerment. By choosing vulnerability, her journey turned from a source of shame to a source of encouragement for others. Jesus’ love not only helped her heal, but it also transformed her testimony into a beacon of hope for everyone listening!

4. Jesus Inspires New Purpose

The sudden arrival of the disciples interrupted their discussion.

John 4:27 NLT

27 Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?”

Jesus had just broken several cultural rules. Jews didn’t speak to Samaritans. And a man didn’t speak to a female stranger. His behavior amazed the disciples but they did not ask him what he was doing.

What the woman would have said we don’t know. But we do know what she did. She left her water jug and ran back to town and told her neighbors that she had just encountered the most wonderful and interesting person she had ever met. That this person told her all about herself which raised great curiosity from everyone.

John 4:28 NLT

28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone,

On the one hand, leaving her jar showed her excitement about meeting the Messiah. It also represents this woman leaving her own attempts at satisfying her thirst for life and satisfaction. It also showed she planned to come back to where Jesus was.

The writer of Hebrews says to get rid of anything that hinders our walk with Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1 NLT

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

What are some things that maybe we should leave behind?

We should leave behind the shame of our past.

Jesus knows everything about us and He forgives us. Go might use the emptiness of our past to help us share the wonder of God’s forgiveness to others.

We should leave behind former friends and activities.

Anything or any relationship that hinders our relationship with Jesus, or would hinder our telling others about Jesus needs to be left behind. The water jug would have slowed the woman down as she wet to tell others about Jesus so she left it.

Are there possessions that threaten to slow us down? If there is we need to leave that with Jesus.

She may not have understood everything about Jesus, but she certainly convinced the town to come and see Him.

John 4:29–30 NLT

29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

Her encounter with Jesus gives her a new purpose. Her transformation is so radical it caught everyone’s attention and it compelled her to share the same love Jesus showed to her… with others.

5. Jesus Inspires Community Transformation

Something great is happening and something even greater is about to happen, and the disciples are about to miss it if they are not careful.

John 4:31–34 NLT

31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

The disciples at this point, know less than the woman. They are still stuck on food. Jesus is talking about spiritual food. His food was to do the will of His father.

Satisfying the Father gave Jesus satisfaction and it will do the same for you and I.

Now Jesus transitions to our responsibility to share His love with others.

John 4:35 NLT

35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.

Jesus is saying that there are people around us who want to know Him… who are ready to know Him. He is saying that we just need to engage them. If we look around, we will see people who are ready to hear about the wonderful Savior we serve.

John 4:36–38 NLT

36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! 37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. 38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

Side point here. You may be sharing with someone and then they come to faith in Christ somewhere else. That’s ok. Jesus said the sower and the harvester can celebrate together.

Jesus was also saying the time for harvest is here. Samaritans from the town were coming out to hear him.

The Samaritan woman immediately shared her experience with Jesus with everyone. Despite her reputation many took her up on her invitation and went out to meet Jesus.

John 4:39–41 NLT

39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear his message and believe.

They came because she believed and shared with them. She used the change Jesus had done in her to grab other people’s curiosity.

All we need to do is to allow people to see what God is doing in us and share that with them.

John 4:42 NLT

42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”

But after a couple of days, they Believed because they had an experience with Jesus.

Think about a pebble dropped in a pond. Just one small stone can create ripples that reach the farthest edges of the water. Similarly, Christ’s love in one person’s life can inspire change in others. When individuals experience His grace, they begin to share it, impacting their families, friends, and communities. It’s a light-hearted reminder that our transformations can spread joy and love far and wide, just like those ripples!