Cutting to the heart of the matter

In verse 10 Jesus said to the woman that if she knew who he was she would be asking him for a drink (thereby revealing his extraordinary offer of spiritual water that would quench her soul’s thirst forever). She grasps at this, taking it at face value, probably eager to find a source that would mean she wouldn’t need to travel to the well everyday. Having pricked her interest, Jesus delves deeper. He shows her that he knows every facet of her life:

‘You are right when you say you have no husband. That fact is, you have had five husbands…’ (verses 17–18)

The woman becomes uncomfortable so changes the subject – this often happens when someone’s heart is being challenged. She brings up a common theological question of the time; where the correct place to worship was:

‘Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem’. (verse 20)

What follows is one of the most important teachings on worship that Jesus gave. Isn’t it interesting that he gave it to a Samaritan woman, rather than those who questioned him throughout the gospels:

‘Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth’.

Jesus was teaching the importance of attitude rather than location here, and of the Spirit as well as truth. Sadly, throughout church history, one has often been emphasised more than the other but it is vital to retain a balance. I also think that in the West we can get caught up in our ‘worship culture’, and it can become more about following a popular worship leader or singing the most up-to-date songs rather than focusing on Jesus. Isn’t it amazing how easily we can move away from the heart of worship, distracted by secondary things?!

A heart changed

Towards the end of the passage the woman reveals that she is indeed waiting for the Messiah. Jesus then tells the woman who he is and she is totally changed by this knowledge, venturing straight into the town to speak to those she had been avoiding, saying:

‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’ (verse 29).

The disciples, on the other hand, we are told are surprised he had been talking to the woman. They were probably a little disgruntled too, but none of them said anything. No doubt they had learned that Jesus’ ways were unusual and often unfathomable to them! But how often do we turn away from people who really need a touch from God? The ones that take extra ‘digging’ as it were, to reach their real needs? As his instruments on this earth it is our responsibility to reach out to all those he wants us to, not shying away from those society may deem ‘undesirable’.

What a challenge – but what a mission too!

Check out the discussion panel (on the right hand side of this page), or click on this link, for some discussion questions.