John 4:25-30

John 4:25-30 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John records that after encountering Jesus, the woman at the well left her water jar and hurriedly returned to her town with the good news of Jesus, Messiah. If we visualize these events, we will see this person momentarily leaving her current responsibilities in the world as she went back to town with the message that salvation was at hand. On this busy day just before Christmas, will we willingly put aside our water jars for a moment, go back to town, and proclaim that the Son of God, Emmanuel has changed our hearts and lives, and we will never be the same? Or in our perpetual striving and focusing on the mundane demands of life, will we miss opportunities to stop and talk with a friend or a stranger to reveal that freedom from sin and life everlasting has come to all through Christ the risen Lord? That day at the well, Christ interacted and conversed with a despised Samaritan woman. Her divine encounter empowered her to step away from her usual duties to offer eternal life to her people, her world. As she fully grasped and understood Christ's words, she became a catalyst (his hand extended) to bring others to Jesus. Will we model this woman's actions that others might find truth and life and make their way towards him? My friends, sometimes, we just have to put down that jar to seek God's kingdom and his righteousness, to fulfill our primary purpose in living. Will the busy store clerk, the overworked waitress, the distressed coworker, the beloved relative, and the needy friend on the phone hear your passion and know you have met Messiah at the well? WILL THEY HEAR, SEE, AND BELIEVE!

(We would appreciate your prayers for our oldest son, his wife, and their 4 sons in the passing of her dear father yesterday. Bless you all today!)