Giving Witness

Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” ²⁸Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, ²⁹“Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” John 4:27-29

The encounter between the woman at the well and Jesus illustrates the transformational power that meeting Jesus had on people. The woman has a long exchange with Jesus that concludes with Jesus revealing to her that he is the Messiah she has been waiting for (4:26). Once she realizes the impact of this truth, she immediately leaves to share the good news with her community. She was so excited to tell everyone about Jesus that she even forgot to bring her water bucket with her! Her response to Jesus stands in marked contrast to those who demanded a sign from Jesus in order to believe. She was open to being changed by God and then mobilized into action. This is the Holy Spirit at work. If we truly understand the good news of salvation, given through Christ, why wouldn't we run off to share it?


As powerful as her response to Jesus was, it is even more remarkable the impact her proclamation had on those she shared the good news with.

Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” ⁴⁰So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. ⁴¹And many more believed because of his word. ⁴²They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42

The woman at the well shared her story with her community and they believed her! This woman, who had been married five times and had been shunned by her community was now the town evangelist. She shared about the power of her encounter with Jesus and what it meant to her. The people were so moved by her testimony they invited Jesus to stay with them to learn more. This led to even more believing that Jesus was the Savior of the world. All of this took place among the Samaritans who were historic enemies of the Jewish people, demonstrating God's desire for salvation for all people.


God desires all people to be reconciled to God and redeemed through Christ's death and resurrection. Salvation is not limited to a select few or for those the world deems acceptable. No, God's salvation is for all people no matter where they were born or what they have done. The woman at the well believed God's love was for her and she shared this good news with all she knew. How will you respond?


Prayer: Lord, let me receive your love and grace fully, so that I may rejoice and give thanks. Help me to share the good news of all you have done for me, and trust that through the work of Spirit, lives can be transformed. In Jesus' name, AMEN.