The Day Grace Sat Down at the Well

John 4, the story of the samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus feels like a warm hug to my soul. The way Jesus talks to the Samaritan woman is beautiful, unexpected, and full of grace.

That day wasn’t just another afternoon. It was the day grace sat down at the well.

Jesus knew exactly who this woman was. She wasn’t someone others would celebrate. In fact, people probably looked down on her. She had been married several times, and the man she was currently living with wasn’t her husband. She was living in sin. And yet, the Holy One, the Creator of the universe, the Word made flesh, asked this same woman for a drink of water. He didn’t avoid her. He didn’t judge her. He actually wanted alone time with her.

That truth right there is so comforting.

God’s holiness doesn’t push Him away from messy people. It draws Him toward us. His holiness doesn’t disqualify us. It doesn’t shame us. Instead, it cleans us up and sets us apart for Him.

Jesus Chose Her First
In verse 26, Jesus does something amazing. He clearly tells her, “I am the Messiah.” That’s a big deal. She was one of the first people Jesus openly revealed His identity to. It wasn’t a priest, a religious leader, or even one of His disciples. It was her. A woman with a past. A woman most people wouldn’t trust or respect.

But Jesus saw something more. He saw who she really was all along. A witness. An evangelist. She wasn’t created to go from one relationship to another or from one house to the next. She was made to move with purpose, carrying the message of the gospel. Not her past.

From Shame to Purpose
She met the Light, and she received Life. That moment at the well changed everything. She left her water jar behind and ran into the town saying, “Come and see!” (verse 29). Her encounter with Jesus pulled her out of darkness and lit a fire in her. That light spread. It reached others. Her testimony led people to Christ.

What was her message? Simple. “He told me everything I ever did.” That was enough. The people in town already knew what she had done. So if a stranger could know those same things, it had to mean something. It had to mean He really was the Messiah.

God Can Use Your Story Too
That woman didn’t have a perfect life. But she had a powerful encounter. And that was enough. She didn’t need a pulpit or a title. Her story became her ministry.

And the same can be true for you.

God can use your testimony. The mess. The mistakes. The moments you don’t talk about. When you meet Jesus, He doesn’t just cover your past. He gives it purpose. He turns your story into someone else’s breakthrough.

So what do we do?

We share.

We say, “Come and see.”

Because just like that woman, we’ve all had a day when grace sat down at our well, and everything changed.
We joyfully lead others to the One who told us everything we ever did and loved us anyway.

A Prayer for Reflection

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for seeing me, even when I feel unseen. Thank You for meeting me in the middle of my mess and offering me living water. I am so grateful that Your holiness doesn’t push me away, but draws me close. Like the woman at the well, help me to leave behind what doesn’t serve me and step into the purpose You’ve placed in me. Use my story for Your glory. Let my life be a living invitation for others to come and see You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your life is blessed.
God loves you immensely.

Shalom,

Esther Love.