Going Deeper

Going Deeper

John 4:16-18, NLT

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. 17“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— 18for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”

Setting the Scene

The woman was receptive to whatever Jesus had to offer, especially if it meant not having to walk to the well whenever she needed water. She didn’t understand Jesus, but she was open to having her life changed.

Then Jesus abruptly shifted the subject from water to lifestyle. The woman knew she needed living water at one level, but Jesus knew she had a far deeper need. So he turned the conversation to her personal life. When the woman replied, “I don’t have a husband,” she was speaking the truth without any explanation. Jesus’ response must have startled her even more than his claim to have an endless source of water, revealing his knowledge of her checkered past and her sin of adultery. Jesus wanted this woman to recognize her sin and her need for forgiveness. Then she would be ready to receive soul-quenching living water—salvation, total forgiveness, and eternal life.

Getting Personal

What might the Samaritan woman have been thinking when Jesus mentioned her previous marriages and current living situation?

Imagine Jesus looking at you right now—what does he see? How do you think Jesus feels about you?

What, if anything, keeps you from being totally open with God? What could help you be more honest with him?

Every person, regardless of how he or she looks and talks, harbors past hurts and sins and present fears, dreams, desperate choices, and conflicts. Even those who seem to have life figured out and their act together have secrets. We may be able to hide our true selves from others, but Jesus knows what we’ve done and what we’re planning—what we’re really like. And he cares. Nothing we have done shocks Jesus or drives him away. We can be totally honest with this one who loves us unconditionally.

Talking to God

Put aside any fears you may feel today as you come in prayer to the one who loves you without conditions. Thank God that he sees you through the cleansing power of Christ’s blood, fully forgiven.