A woman of Samaria came to draw water. “Give me a drink,” Jesus said to her, because his disciples had gone into town to buy food. John 4:7-8 CSB

Jesus and His disciples are traveling from Judeah to Galilee through Samaria. They stop at Jacob’s well around lunchtime. Jesus rests at the well while the disciples go into town to get some food. Most women in the town came to the well to get water early in the morning or late in the evening when it was cooler. But one woman comes in the heat of the day by herself.

Jesus asks her for a drink of water, and she is surprised. Jewish people, like Jesus, did not speak to Samaritans. And in that time men did not speak to unknown women in public. Jesus is different from everyone she knows! They have a conversation and Jesus says He has “living water” and the woman is interested. She asks for this living water. Jesus tells her to return with her husband.

The woman says she doesn’t have a husband. Jesus knows her and her story and tells her she’s telling the truth. Jesus tells her that she has had five husbands and the man she is with now is not her husband. But Jesus doesn’t judge her or tell her she has done wrong. He continues to show love. She is surprised again and calls Him a prophet. She asks about worshipping God only in Jerusalem. She says that she knows when the Messiah comes, he will explain everything.

And Jesus tells her, “I, the one speaking to you, am he.” John 4:26b Just then His disciples return to the well and are surprised He is talking to a woman. The woman leaves her water jug and goes into town, telling the people to “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:29

And the people came. Jesus stayed two more days in Samaria talking and teaching the people. And they told the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, since we have heard for ourselves and know that this really is the Savior of the world.” John 4:42

The woman at the well, although we never know her name, is a great example for us. She first asked questions trying to find out more about Jesus. She realized how special Jesus was and that He knew her. And when she knew that He was the Messiah, she believed in Him. And then she wanted everyone in her town to know Him, too! She told everyone about Jesus.

 This week, be like the woman at the well. Get to know Jesus better by reading your Bible, asking questions, and talking to others, like your mom and dad. Know that Jesus knows you. Believe that He is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. And share what you know with others so that they can believe in Jesus, the Savior of the world, too!

Blessings and joy as you get to know Jesus better!