Stop, Drop, Roll Out…

Jesus said, “Believe me, woman. The time is coming when you will not have to be in Jerusalem or on this mountain to worship the Father. You Samaritans worship what you don’t understand. We Jews understand what we worship. Salvation comes from the Jews. The time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. That time is now here. And these are the kinds of worshipers the Father wants. God is spirit. Those who worship God must worship in spirit and truth.”

The woman said, “I know that the Messiah is coming.” (Messiah is the One called Christ.) “When the Messiah comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus said, “He is talking to you now. I am he.”

Just then, his followers came back from town. They were surprised because they saw Jesus talking with a woman. But none of them asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

Then the woman left her water jar and went back to town. She said to the people, “A man told me everything I have ever done. Come see him. Maybe he is the Christ!” So the people left the town and went to see Jesus.—John 4:21-30 ICB

 

Most of us can identify with a sweltering 95+ degrees day! More often than not, our urgent need is to quench our thirst. It was indeed a ‘scorcher’—the day Jesus was compelled to go through Samaria. Not only is it a hot day, HE is there at midday. So, for Him to ask for a drink of water is totally reasonable, understandable, and appropriate!

However, who He asked this of is the strange part. It was not customary for Jewish people to speak with or have any dealings with Samaritans. Certainly not a woman; NOT ever, much less in public.

Jesus initiates an unlikely conversation surrounding a very likely, common need. During this exchange—back and forth [read the entire chapter], He reveals Himself as The Messiah, and the woman believes Him.

Jesus meets us in our very basic areas of lack; yet, it often proves extraordinary, miraculous, and life changing. Perhaps, it is a common need for a spiritual, emotional, or relational healing. It may be the need for something as basic as water, food, shelter, or a kind word. How about the common need we have to belong, feel appreciated, and significant?

God knows our bottom line need for salvation: friendship, fellowship, significance, value, purpose, and vision! Yet, we go our own way, attempting to satisfy these needs with that which is contrary to God’s way! He was compelled to address this need and did so by sending The Only Answer: Jesus.

Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to be uncomfortable, humiliated, beaten, lied on, mistreated in the most horrific manner—nailed to a cross; crucified. HE did the unthinkable, dying, putting aside His glory to meet our basic need.

May we, like this culturally different, outcast, needy Samaritan woman, see His willingness to engage, communicate, care, and understand.

Think about it, do you sense Jesus’ concern for you, your specific needs?

May we be convinced that He is Who He says He is! Then hurriedly drop our modern day ‘water pots’—agendas, activities, gatherings, parties, plans…run to tell others about Jesus. Encourage others to pause EVERYTHING and come meet JESUS!

Pray:

Loving Father, thank You for Your forgiveness! We humbly bow as an empty vessel before YOU O, Fountain of Life! Fill us to the overflow so others can know YOU. Give us the urgency of canceling, forgetting, pushing aside what might seem important to do what is THE most important. Thank YOU for this  privilege  of sharing JESUS, the only water for our thirsty spirits with those who need Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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©2024 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!