Listen

The woman said, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one who is called the Christ. When he comes, he will teach everything to us.”

Jesus said to her, “I Am—the one who speaks with you.”

Just then, Jesus’ disciples arrived and were shocked that he was talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman put down her water jar and went into the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I’ve done! Could this man be the Christ?” They left the city and were on their way to see Jesus.

Many Samaritans in that city believed in Jesus because of the woman’s word when she testified, “He told me everything I’ve ever done.”

John 4:25-30, 39

Think

The woman at the well was a regular person. And Jesus saw fit to have a theological discussion with her. Jesus acknowledged and answered her questions. He treated her as an equal. He revealed his identity to her. His openness drew out a response of faith in the coming Messiah.

Sometimes, the people we discount in society are the very people who can teach us about curiosity, gratitude, faith, and enthusiasm. When the woman realizes that she was an object of God’s attention and love and that God had known her throughout her struggles, she becomes an energetic evangelist.

God sees and knows the potential for contemplation and action in each of us. Once we’ve been found by Jesus, it is our turn to see that potential in others.

Amber Inscore Essick

Pray

You have found me, O Lord. You have drawn me in. Teach me now to see in others what you have seen in me, that more may be drawn into the circle of your grace. Amen.

Go

Drink of the deep love of God. As it fills your heart, let it overflow to those near you who most need to be seen and heard by God.