The Samaritan Woman

Bible Reading: John 4:4-42 

The story of the nameless Samaritan woman at the well is recorded only in the Gospel of John.  The story of the woman at the well follows Jesus' interaction with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and prominent member of the Jewish Sanhedrin (John 3:1¬21).  The Samaritan woman had come to get water from Jacob's well located about a half mile from the city of Sychar in Samaria. 

This was an extraordinary woman not because she was a Samaritan, but because she was looked down upon even by her own people.  That is why she came alone to draw water from the community well.  During Biblical times, drawing water and chatting at the well was the social highpoint of a woman's day!  However, this woman was marked as immoral, since she was living openly with the fifth in a series of men. 

Despite the similarities in the two meetings between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, there are differences in how Jesus unveiled grace to them. 

While Nicodemus needed to see himself as a sinner to understand grace, the Samaritan woman, who knew she was a sinner, needed to see herself as someone worthy of God's grace. 

While Nicodemus needed a 'different' beginning, the Samaritan woman needed a 'new' beginning.  Nicodemus expected Jesus to lead him further down his already 'religious' life into the Kingdom of God. 

And this provides us with one of the most powerful lessons in all of Scripture. 

This story teaches us that God finds us worthy of His love in spite of our bankrupt lives.  Wherever we may be in our lives, whatever may be our condition, we are important to Jesus!  God values us enough to actively seek us, to welcome us into intimacy, and to rejoice in our worship! 

Somebody said that even if the earth had just one person, the Father would still have sent His Son Jesus to redeem that one person!  What an amazing thought.   As a result of Jesus' conversation, a person like the Samaritan woman, an outcast from her own people, could understand God's grace, which is 'unmerited favor.' 

I can somehow identify myself with that nameless Samaritan woman. 

People around me may not find an atom of good in me, but it is glorious to know that Jesus finds me worthy of His love.  He cares for me and is ready to give me a second chance .  He has given me a new life, new anointing, and a new beginning! 

So, my friend, do not be downcast!  The past is buried under the blood.  There is a new beginning in Jesus, for Jesus loves you.  That is amazing grace! 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for counting me worthy of Your love and  thank you for the second chance .  Amen.