Text: John 4:1-29
When I read the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, I see so much of myself in her. I wish the woman had a name in this story, but I think it’s intentional that she doesn’t. It is so easy to read these verses and have empathy for “this poor woman.”
But what if this woman was you?
What if the shame she wears, visible to all in her community, is your shame?
I often wonder if she chose her times at the well strategically: knowing when she would most likely be alone.
No judgment from a stranger.
No shame as she faces another.
No disgusted looks or rude comments.
What do you think went through her mind as she approached the well and saw Jesus sitting there?
I believe she wanted to continue hiding—hoping He wouldn’t take notice of her arrival at the well.
As we read on about her story, it’s clear that she is hiding, a prisoner of her shame. This is the big lie that accompanies the feeling of shame: that one must remain silent and keep the guilt inside. But what I love about Jesus is that He doesn’t allow those lies to continue.
Jesus not only notices her, but He asks a pointed question that forces the woman to speak truth to her shame—draws her out of her silence (v. 16-17).
He replaces her silence with truth.
He replaces her shame with a fresh start.
He takes the temporary fixes—the water that quenches our immediate thirst—and replaces it with living water.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”
John 4:13-14, ESV
Sisters, He wants to give you new life. He hurts when He sees you – His cherished daughter – locked in chains of shame.
Take time today to end the silence of whatever shame you’re carrying. Speak truth and lay it at His feet: just as you are.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10, ESV
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This post gives me so much hope. I have been ashamed of myself lately. Like I'm not good enough for God and that it's going to take me a while to wash away my past. But then I am reminded of this fresh start. This is exactly what I needed to begin feeling whole again. Thank you to the whole SheReadsTruth ministry for helping me get to spiritual wellness and seeing the power and love of God in a whole new way. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Too long have I felt like this woman at the well. How important it is to be reminded that Christ died for me, for us, so that we can live through God and be forgiven.
A little late to the game here but wanted to add in some thoughts / what I learned from my pastor:
Noontime was especially hot and she did only draw water at the time so she wouldn't have to face the other women (who typically drew water in the mornings). And the best evidence of Fresh Start in the Woman of Samaria's life?
She went to the well at noontime, avoiding people and judgment and exposure.
After speaking with Jesus and after she believed, she went speaking to all the people in the town! "Come, see a man that told me all that I ever did." and "Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony."
HOW AMAZING IS tHAT? She went from being afraid of exposure, from judgment to spreading the good news! And people believed in Him because of her!
Fresh Start: From fear to testimony!
Jesus went there for a reason, for me and for all of us women. In that time women were below men, I know Jesus knew that one day some women would be alone, working, raising children and maybe not have a man in the house. So he chose this woman at the well to show us His love for all women. Why this woman, because she like us was full of sin and needed saving. You might not have lived a life like hers, but she shows me that Jesus loved her and knew her heart, just like us.
I am so enjoying these daily readings. They have truly touched my heart and caused me to search my soul.
Hang in there, Robin!!! It will be good. He is faithful!