In the Gospel of John, chapter 4, we find an amazing little story about Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  Let’s go deeper than that 135 foot well and discover how this story can still rock our world today!

Imagine Jesus and his disciples walking from Judea, through the mostly barren Samarian countryside, on a bumpy road just wide enough for a mule to pull a cart.  It’s near noon, they’ve been hiking all day and desert sun is getting super-hot.  Straight ahead, I’ll bet Jesus saw some big oak trees next to the two-thousand-year-old Jacob’s well, so he sent his disciples down the fork in the road, half a mile to the town of Sychar for food while he prayed alone in the shade.

Into this picture, came a Samaritan woman to draw water.  It’s interesting because there is a well in Sychar, but this woman was most likely an outcast, with such a bad reputation that she made the long trek to Jacob’s well, during the hottest time of day, simply so she wouldn’t be hassled and could be alone.

When we read about Jesus’ conversation with the woman, we only get the briefest report – like the minutes of a business meeting, or the cliff notes of a book.  But there is absolutely no doubt that Jesus changed her life, and this is where I’d like to pick up the story and see how it pertains to you and me!

The Bible says, “The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, ‘Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?’ So the people came streaming from the village to see him” (John 4:28-30).

It’s funny, but I like this part of the story the best, simply because the woman left her water jar!   Wow!  This shows two amazing things.  First is that she was in such a state of grace, so changed, so amazed that she simply had to share what Jesus had done for her, and second, there is no doubt she planned on coming back for more Jesus!

Her experience is just like so many of ours when we experience Jesus for the first time!  It’s a moment of firsts.  First, we see Jesus.  And at the same time, it’s truly the first time we see ourselves – but this time it is through the loving eyes of Jesus.

Like the woman at the well, it doesn’t matter what we’ve done because all we see is Jesus and what he sees in us.  We see is his love and forgiveness.  We see is grace.  All we see is Jesus!  Indescribable love.  Peace that passes understanding.  Purpose that goes beyond our past lives.  All because Jesus loves us.  It can be an experience so powerful that we simply have to share about it.  We have to leave our water jars behind because we’ve discovered something of incomparable wealth and beauty that must be shared.

It’s like the miner who cannot help himself as he cries, “Gold” while the stones glitter in his trembling hand. It’s beyond the greatest of movies where we tell our friends, “You just have to see it.” This is a new movie, a new way of seeing, a new discovery about ourselves.

Yes, when we experience Jesus, we cannot help but share about him.  It’s like exclaiming, “Look at that sunset!” on steroids.  And the best part of sharing Jesus is that we are simply so happy, at peace and overjoyed that we want others to experience him too!

There is no doubt this woman raced into town with a big smile on her face.  Something dramatic had changed in her – from an outcast to outspoken.   From a victim to a victor.   From shunned to shining.  From rejected to received, her demeanor spoke volumes – perhaps even more than her words.  But I think it is so important to notice something really big in her words: “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (John 4:29).

Notice how this woman only shared what Jesus had done for her!  She never said, “Hey guys, you should understand our theology is wrong” or “You should meet Jesus” or “You should see what I just saw.”  Nope – she never “should” on anyone in any way.  Instead, her smile, demeanor and words simply invited.  It was a “look at the new me” moment!!  Can you see it in me!  Perhaps you want to meet Jesus and see for yourself!

Let’s pray!  Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your amazing love for me.  Thank you for your grace, your beauty and your gentle, inviting love.  Lord, I want to be transformed like the woman at the well.  Turn my lips from frowning into smiles. Turn my eyes from downcast to looking up at you!  Transform me from the inside out as I give my life to you today.  I want my life to be a “Come and see what Jesus has done for me” kind of life.  Please show me who I can love, and how I can show your love today.