She wasn’t quite sure about what He was telling her. She didn’t totally get it but it sounded good. It definitely sounded better than what she had. So she requested what He offered…water that provided eternal life.
So many people think they must have all their questions answered before they say “yes” to Jesus. They think that they must understand things of the spiritual realm with their finite mind. They are uncomfortable with the tension that comes with faith. But not this woman.
The following interchange is a bit unnerving. Jesus said, “Go, call your husband and come back.” And she answered honestly, “I have no husband.”
Ahah! I wonder if Jesus tests us sometimes to see just how truthful we will be with Him and with ourselves. That’s where repentance begins….seeing ourselves for who we truly are and being honest with God about our ugly, broken nature.
Jesus responded to the Samaritan woman, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is quite true.”
Truth she thought was hidden but He always knew. He’s omniscient. She had most likely been rejected by one man after another. In fact, the present man in her life didn’t even offer her a wedding ring. The shame she must have experienced makes me sad for her. And then…what joy is found when I see that Jesus knew her past and yet it never stopped him from considering her worthy of His time. He accepted her when others did not. This is my confidence.
Jesus discussed deep topics with her even though rabbis of that time were taught that teaching females was not only a waste of time, it was sacrilegious. Holiness offered grace to a sinner.
Something about this man caused her to remain in His presence. She could have hung her head in shame, continued with her chore and headed home. Instead, she trusted Him and decided to tackle the question of worship, a theological difference between their cultures yet the highest calling of every person’s soul. “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is Jerusalem.”
Jesus goes into great detail explaining that the place we worship is irrelevant. Knowing the person whom we worship is what matters. “True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.“
Those who worship the one true God cannot turn their affections towards an idol. They will not raise their hands to a god they create in their minds to serve them and their desires. We worship in truth. With awe and reverence, we worship the God who has revealed Himself through His Son (Colossians 1:15) . We see His heart in everything Jesus does and says. He reveals Himself through Scripture and He reveals His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—through what He has made (Romans 1:20).
We worship God in spirit, the innermost part of us that was created for the distinct purpose of connecting with our Creator. God wants our worship to reflect more than raised hands. He is looking at the heart.
I was once approached by a young woman who asked if we could get together for coffee. With a chuckle she said, “I think if you get to know me, you will really like me.” She was right. And I think God tells us the same thing…“spend some time with Me, get to know Me and I know you will love Me.” And He is right, too.
Thoughts to ponder from John 4:15-24:
What intimate details in my life would I prefer not to discuss with Jesus? Does it make a difference knowing that He already knows?
Do I accept all of who God is or am I guilty of choosing only His attributes that I am comfortable embracing?
debponders 