Scripture Reading: John 4:1-42
God loves to use the most unexpected people: unlikely kings, unlikely prophets, unlikely disciples. The Samaritan woman in John 4 is an unlikely convert and evangelist. She had everything working against her—she was a woman in a patriarchal society, where even speaking publicly with a man was taboo. She was a Samaritan talking with a Jew, though their cultures despised one another. She had a checkered relational past, pushing her to the fringes of society. And Jesus still sought her.
Their conversation at Jacob’s well was an odd one. It bounced from topic to topic, sometimes leaving the reader quite confused—living water and multiple husbands and places of worship and so forth. But if we read carefully, we see Jesus masterfully, gently, and pointedly guiding her to an understanding of saving truth.
He asked for a drink of water to open the door to conversation then quickly offered her living water. She didn’t understand and was understandably taken aback, but Jesus pressed in: “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again” (John 4:14). Again, she failed to understand.
Jesus pivoted again, this time in a seemingly bizarre manner, asking about her husband. Why? What was He getting at? But it’s not random at all; Jesus showed her who He is, the Lord who searches hearts and gives to each according to their deeds (Jeremiah 17:10). He declared His power and kingship and showed that His offer of living water is infinitely more than she could imagine. By offering living water, Jesus was declaring Himself the Alpha and Omega and offering her access to the river of life that flows from the throne of God (Revelation 21:6). He was offering her healing and wholeness in the presence of God (Revelation 22:1–5).
She tried to understand, asking where the proper place to worship was for Jews and Samaritans. Jesus turned that around, too, ending with a declaration of Himself as the Messiah. Finally she was left with no response but to tell her fellow townspeople, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29). And many believed because of her testimony and because of Jesus’s words.
Jesus made some of His clearest claims as Savior and Messiah and promised eternal life to a Samaritan woman, perhaps the least likely of recipients. He did so with kindness and gentleness, but He would not let her deflect or ignore or misunderstand. He wanted her to believe, and she did. And her response was to spread the good news, telling others to come and meet Jesus. The water of life is for all who believe, no matter how unlikely, and it is to be shared by all who believe and trust in Jesus.
Written by Barnabas Piper
Leave a Reply
50 thoughts on "The Woman at the Well"
We all carry thirsts—longings for love, purpose, identity, and healing. We may try to fill them with temporary things, but only Jesus truly satisfies. Like the woman, we are invited to bring our honest selves to Him and receive His living water.
And just like her, when we encounter Jesus, we don’t have to keep Him to ourselves. The woman left her water jar and ran to tell others—becoming one of the first evangelists. God can use our stories, no matter how messy, to draw others to Himself.
Let Him meet you at your well.
Yes! This challenges me to be bolder!
♥️
This account so much reminds me of the post-resurrection account, where Jesus appears to Mary. Goosebumps!
Well imagery means life. In the Torah Rebecca was found by the servant at the well. Rachel,was found by Jacob at the well, Moses met Zipporah at a well. When a woman met a Jewish man at a well and he struck up a conversation this lead to a marriage, a union, a significant change of life in God’s plan.
Fast forward centuries,tired, dusty Jew at a well in Samaria. Some sources say it was a actually a spring. This was a love connection of a different kind! It was G-d’s love!
In this world men rarely speak to women in public.Single men never spoke to or touched women at anytime.
This one conversation equipped her to be an evangelist.
I want to believe Jesus sought her and this was not some casual meeting. In the same vein as he found his apostles, this was a divine appointment
After quite a bit of Theological discussion, Jesus revealed to her that he was the Messiah.
” The woman said to him,”I know there Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ).” When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Jesus told her, ” I, the one speaking to you , am he.”
Verse 39: ” Now many Samaritians from the town believed in him because of what the woman said when she testified, ” He told me everything I ever did.”
I thought so, too! This was a God ordained meeting. He had what she needed ( forgiveness, grace, salvation) and she was receptive to Him. She knew He was the Messiah and believed it in her heart! And, yes, what an evangelist she was!
Just a few weeks ago one of our Pastors spoke on the woman at the well. I had not realized (or had forgotten?) till that time that it is the longest conversation that Jesus had, recorded in scripture. And, an unlikely one at that – frowned upon by those around him, unacceptable by the cultural rules and norms. Even travelling through Samaria would have been avoided in that time. And yet, it is one of the most poignant, relatable, humbling, transparent stories we read that speaks to our hearts in a powerful way. Jesus is for everyone and He is the living water that our lost souls need. And, just like the woman at the well, we can’t keep it to ourselves and we must tell so others may know who Jesus is and that He really is the Savior of the world(vs42). The Truth matters. The saving grace of Jesus matters. The Gospel matters. Our testimony matters.
Jesus changes everything.
The podcast this week is really so good. Check it out if you have time.
So encouraged, challenged and appreciate all of your reflections, thoughts, insights and sharing each day, ladies. Thank you. Praying for your requests. ❤️
So good!
“Jesus changes everything.” Yes, and Amen! ❤️
Thank yku, Barnabas Piper, for this beautiful devo and for the Jeremiah reference. I am adding that verse to my memorization list! .
As I read this account, I can’t help but think of the women at Jesus’ tomb. In both cases the women didn’t have all of the answers, but they recognized that Jesus is the Messiah and couldn’t wait to share the good news. Why do my feet get tangled at the thought?!
.
THANK YOU, sisters who are praying for me. I do feel better today, but not sure if I should isolate. Frustrating, but I think I will just to be safe.
This old hymn came to mind. I remember our choir doing a cantata version that was beautiful:
Fill My Cup Lord
Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Savior speaking—
“Draw from My well that never shall run dry.”
Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.
2
There are millions in this world who are seeking
For pleasures earthly goods afford.
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
3
So my brother if the things that this world gives you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray—
.
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Love this song! Praying for continued healing and strength!
“Open your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.” John 4:35
GM She’s!
I LOVE the story of the woman at the well. I guess I will say that every day ahead like the last few days. (just like I do every song that plays on the radio…Oh I love this song!)
I it just so FULL of golden nuggets!! She was lost, looking for love and a filling that nobody else (especially a man) would never give her! I know exactly how she felt. I used to be embarrassed to say I’ve been divorced twice. I wouldn’t even want to admit all the men I sought to fill the empty. I didn’t even know I was empty. So many people don’t know they are thirsting for living water. Only the Lord can fill us with Him, and we will never thirst again. That’s why every day we need our cup, so we can be filled and not fill empty and searching. It’s so important starting our day with the word. Only He will put our focus in the right direction. Then, shall we have peace.
That it talks of her running and telling everyone really speaks to me! Like we should be so filled and excited for what the Lord has done for us….we should be running and shouting with JOY!! Telling everyone what he has done in our life, forgiving us, dirty to clean! Empty to life! Graves to gardens!! It is something I am passionate about and will be the topic of my next group session–Our Story=-His Glory!! Telling our testimony! Being ready to give an account to anyone that asks!! Let it flow into conversation! People love to hear why you are different!
I am leading Jail today, I really want to share this story and talk about it!! Last time we met, we had 5 new ladies and they all prayed the sinners prayer! I wanted to jump up for joy and celebrate! (I kinda did!. But I can probably bet they didn’t run back into the Pod shouting for joy and telling of Jesus!lol So I want to see how the Holy Spirit can help me say some things today that might empower them more…and for the ones that have been saved to still be excited to have that!!
The song that comes to mind is
“One More Day” by Sons of Sunday!
❤ Sounds like you are feeling better! Hope you slept well and have less of the night sweats! ❤
Praying it goes well!
❤️ So encouraging!
Good morning She’s
I just want to encourage you all to watch The Chosen…it’s free just down load the app. These amazing figures in the Bible that we are studying come to life❣️tip… turn on closed caption( words on screen to follow along)
Happy Hump Day She’s Hope you all have a blessed daythanks for all the comments to ponder… I so enjoy them daily.
Yes, I love the woman at the well actor, they all do these scene so well!! I love that it brings it alive too! Thank you for sharing!
This is a great show. I am struggling not to see Johnathan Roumi’s face when I read the Bible.
I feel like this is my story. A friendless woman, isolated and alone, living in shame. That was me for so many years. I was a young girl (too young!) who looked for love in all the wrong places, going from guy to guy. I was judged and ostracized by others which kept me going back to the guys to fill the void. I lived so many years in regret and shame! BUT GOD, met me there and lifted me out of my shame and self-loathing. He healed my heart and helped me to forgive myself. He brought people around me to minister to that deep pain, to speak truth to me. One of the final things to help me to break free of guilt and shame was a study I did on my own called Jesus and Woman” by Kristi McClelland. I’m so thankful we have a God who meets us where we are, no matter how broken, ugly, and messy.
Just looked up some of my notes from that study and thought I would share. First, women were not held in high esteem, and the only thing worse than being a woman was being a Samaritan woman – even her spit was considered unclean. This woman went to the well at noon, a highly unlikely time to go at the heat of the day, alone She had no “haver” – friend. Jesus speaks first to bridge the gap. He asked for a drink from HER cup. He speaks to her about theology. When he asks about her husband, he is grabbing hold of the most painful part of her story and starts to lift her up out of her pain. He introduced living water to her soul, named her shame and acknowledged her pain. He gave her the gift of Revelation – I am the Messiah – the first person he admits this to. He lifts her out of the pit of shame and puts her in a place of honor. What a God we serve!
❤️
❤ Thanks for sharing that, Tami, and for sharing your heart, hurt, and healing. ❤
Thank you for sharing your testimony. Praise the Lord for His work in your life ❤️
I was right there in that same boat Tami. I finally hit my knees and said..my life is a mess Lord..what happened to me Lord, I am not doing it the right way, YOUR Way Lord…help me…. Funny after that, although I was going to church and really being a part, I still seeked men and wanted so bad to find the right guy. I shake my head of how…why.
But I was still letting my flesh lead and fill my desires rather than letting him be my guide. I shake my head now at how lost I was…I needed to be in the word, but I was only in church, not in sync with the Lord. I think the younger 20″s ladies so need mentors and proverbs women to come alongside and can help them. maybe it could help. Or for sure being around other believers their age. Most of my friends were not Christ-followers which led me astray easily. I finally did realize I needed to not go with them. I am so glad God was patient with me, and although I was confused he redeemed and restored me!!
Amen! There is No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Rom 8:1. This was in one of my devotionals this morning!
Drinking at the springs of living water o wonderful and bountiful supply
I remember that old song! Thanks for the reminder.
You are so welcome. Nice to have a song in your heart
Soggy morning here – no, it’s not raining but the tears are flowing. A lot going on in my life and family, and the devo by Barnabas struck some tender places. The woman at the well believed and led others to Christ. Praying my list of lost and prodigals come to Him, and all others as well.
.
TANYA I understand your concern with anesthesia, I have a friend who has experienced that difficulty in waking up more than once. Praying today is full of healing ❤️
.
CEE GEE – Still … yes, still working on me! great song, and the new release of that duet with Zach Williams …❤️ praying you are feeling better today.
RHONDA J – praying you and hubby recover quickly
SANDI – praying for your husband in his workplace
.
Prayer requests – a friend’s teenagers are going through a difficult & concerning time.
.
Update on my family member request – they are facing some additional complications
Thankyou for praying for my husband
I’m praying for you Searching!
Oh, sister, you have my prayers in this difficult time! Wiersbe’s notes included this phrase, “The only way to prepare the soil of the heart for the seed is to plow it up with conviction.” That statement jumped out at me! We often ask God to prepare the heart of those to whom we want to share Jesus, but do we ask the Holy Spirit to “plow it up with conviction? Something to ponder.
.
Continued prayers for this family member’s situation and for these teenagers. God bless you, sweet sister. Love you! ❤
Jesus thank You for meeting me where I am. I need you. Amen
Early morning for me and i don’t normally comment but wanted to say hello. Also i feel so blessed that we have Jesus today and everyday no matter our sins. I pray that i do His will and become more like Him.
Hi Dawn!
❤️
Jesus cuts through all the brokenness, confusion, and heartache to get through to this woman. He did the same for us. Thanks be to God.
.
SANDI – praying for your husband’s safety at work.
.
CHERYL BLOW – praying all goes well with Leona’s surgery today.
.
SEARCHING – continuing to pray for your friend’s son’s recovery.
.
DONNA WOLCOTT – continuing to pray for Matt’s recovèy
amen, Kelly.
Friend’s son is thankfully doing well!
Drinking at the springs of living water o wonderful and bountiful supply
Thank you! I will let you know how it all goes.
Praying for all requests and prayers for the lost.
Thank you all who make the lists of prayer requests!
This week feels like it’s pointing out how relatable Jesus must have been with people. Nicodemus and especially the woman at the well were both very vulnerable with Him. Even though both encounters were without an audience, they felt comfortable bringing their confusion and experiences out in the open.
It’s a good reminder that I need to bring the deep needs to God, not just the temporal ones. Blessings on your Wednesday, Ladies!
Great insight Sally! Thank you!
Thank you, Jesus, for the story of the woman at the well. None of us are worthy like this woman, but you stopped to wait for her. Just like you do for us.
Amen❤️
Rushing out the door but shall return later to comment..
.
So, Good morning precious She’s, wrapping you each in prayers and love for a good and God blessed day.
Much love..❤️
Have a blessed day, Tina ❤️
Rushing retiree!! lol
Hope your day goes smoothly! ❤
Good Morning SHEs. ❤️
Good morning Kerry!❤️