He Told Me Everything I Ever Did!

The story of Jesus's conversation with the "Woman at the Well" has always fascinated me. It is not only an account of how Jesus can meet with us at our point of need, but also a model of how we can relate to others and pass on the love of Christ that we have received.

I particularly note the following:

1. He met her where she was, carrying out her everyday basic routine. Mostly such encounters will not be in a church building or at an altar call, but in the market place of life, when we least expect them.

2. Even though she wasn't "one of them" and had every expectation to experience rejection, he showed and demonstrated total acceptance. It may be relatively easy to love someone we like. But it is a challenge to show unconditional compassion to someone on the fringes of society or someone we may even have reason to dislike. Surely, our deepest need is to be accepted?

3. He made himself vulnerable by asking her to do something for him, making her feel needed. So often we feel we have to do something to gain someone's attention.

4. He identified with her and boldly spoke of the Good News in a way she could receive. I believe it's a gift to be able to explain spiritual truths without compromise and without resorting to religious gobbledygook.

5. Jesus engaged and identified with her, saw what was on her heart and spoke to her 'condition'. If we are in tune with Father and have any compassion, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what we need to know.

6. She was given new hope for the way forward and was so overwhelmed by what she heard that she went to tell others.

"Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." John 4:39 New International Version