Read: John 4 :1-42

More space is given to this story about the woman at the well in the gospels than any other story, apart from the passion and crucifixion. This story reveals much about the nature of relationship between Jesus and people who encountered him. Significantly for us, this story of how Jesus chooses to reach out to the despised Samaritan group, exemplifies his desire for us to know him completely and to know that his love comes with no strings attached. (Romans 5:8).

Jesus is not under any illusions about our doubts, faults and mistakes, but in the midst of this he invites us to come into his family. Most likely, the woman was at the well in the heat of midday because of shame, the fear of judgement and unacceptance. The other women would have drawn water in the cool of the morning but she avoided them because of her history. Her shame was an impediment for her. But Jesus makes the point that her shame is not an obstacle for his love (v7-10).

How do our feelings and thoughts about our past hold us back from the full experience of Jesus’ love? What things in your life have acted as a barrier to experiencing Jesus love?

The woman at the well may have been seeking acceptance in her life through her relationships with men (v15-18). However Jesus tells her that's she's looking for her fulfilment in wrong and damaging ways because of her brokenness. It is he alone who can give her the fulfilment she desires.

In which ways and in which places do we seek acceptance apart from God? How is this pursuit of acceptance, apart from Jesus, damaging?

Jesus chose to travel through Samaria even though the Jews and Samaritans hated each other. This hatred went so deeply that Jews would travel around Samaria even though it doubled their travel time. Jesus’ interaction with this woman showed his unconditional love despite the fact that by all social mores he shouldn't have been speaking to her (she was a woman, a Samaritan, an adultress…). Jesus pushed aside traditions that separated and alienated groups of people to reach out for the one who needed to know his love.

Are there places you alter your travel route to avoid going through? What people do you avoid? Which groups are you closed to? (Gay, Muslim, homeless, atheists, different racial or cultural groups?) How does your attitude keep you from sharing God's love with these people?

Note: You can’t/won’t begin to love and accept others until you know the love and acceptance of God for you first.