John 4:1-26
Be Still: Father, thank you that you know me and love me completely. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and speak to me through your word today.
Read: John 4:1-26
'Now Jesus had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.' (v4-9)
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ’Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’
Encounter: I love this story. A Samaritan woman with a chequered past and a scandalous present, heads to the local well at midday. The time of day matters. All the rest of the women of the village would have headed to the well early in the morning when the temperature was cooler. But the woman, attempting to avoid the stares and whispers, waits until midday, knowing that the well will be deserted.
But when she gets there, she finds it isn’t deserted - there’s a man sitting there. And to her astonishment he starts talking to her. As a Jewish man, socially speaking, he shouldn’t even acknowledge her, let along speak to her. But Jesus is no ordinary Jewish man. He’s prepared to risk the scandal to dignify a broken woman and to share the amazing truth of the gospel with her. What follows is an incredible story of transformation, not just of the woman’s life but of her whole community.
Apply: Ask God for opportunities to reach out to people who don’t yet know him with the love of Jesus. This could look like showing kindness towards the woman sitting on the floor outside Sainsbury’s. Or sending an encouraging text to a friend who’s been feeling a bit down recently. When a colleague tells you about a difficult situation they’re facing, don’t just offer a solution, offer to pray! The possibilities are endless!
Devote: Holy Spirit, please lead me today to people who are ready to respond to the gospel. Please give me the courage to step out and the wisdom to know what to say.