Yeshua (Jesus) had many dialogues with different types of listeners: the Pharisees (high-ranking religious leaders), scribes (who wrote and interpreted the law), Jews, believers and unbelievers. He taught in synagogues, on the streets, on the plains and on the mountains. He always did what His Father told Him to do and spoke only what He heard and saw from the Father.
From an early age, Jesus was obedient to His parents and was unafraid to speak with high-ranking officials. He was fearless yet discerning—slipping away from danger when He sensed it. At one point, the Pharisees heard rumors that Jesus was baptizing more disciples than John (though He was not baptizing them Himself). They accepted what they had heard as truth.
Knowing all things, Jesus took precautionary steps to stay on mission. He decided to leave Judea and travel to Galilee, choosing a route through Samaria. Weary from His journey, He stopped near Jacob’s well. This moment would become one of the most fruitful encounters in His ministry.
A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” She was astonished that He would speak to her under any circumstances—especially since Jews had no dealings with Samaritans.
His disciples had gone to buy food. She asked, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask me for a drink?” She reminded Him, “You all don’t deal with us.”
Jesus took the conversation deeper: “If you knew who I am, you would have asked me, and I would have given you living water.” She looked Him over, noting He had no container to draw water with. “Where is this living water?” she asked. “Are you greater than our father Jacob?”
He explained that the water He offers is self-sustaining— “a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” She was intrigued and requested this water so she wouldn’t have to return to the well daily.
Then Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” She replied, “I have no husband.”
“You have spoken truthfully,” He said. “You’ve had five husbands, and the one you’re with now is not your husband.”
Stunned, she said, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.”
The deeper desire of her heart was now being revealed. She had long been thinking and searching for truth. Jesus gave her space for reflection and transformation. In John 4:23, He explained, “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.”
Her mind awakened. She said, “I know that Messiah is coming, the one called Christ. He will explain everything to us.”
Jesus responded, “I, the one speaking to you, am He.”
Just then, His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him speaking with the woman, though none questioned Him. The woman, filled with excitement, left her water jar and ran into the city. Like an evangelist, she shared her encounter, telling everyone about the man who knew all about her and offered her living water.
Thanks for reading!
Jeanette Grattan Parker is the founder-superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw Boulevard, L.A. 90043. For information, call 323-293-9826 or visit www.todaysfreshstart.org, Ask Dr. Jeanette TM “Inquiring Minds Want to Know.” All articles are copyright. All rights reserved © Questions? Errors? Let me know. Join Sundays for music and message at 11:30 a.m. by calling (712) 775-8971, code 266751. Reference: The Holy Bible. Don’t stop praying and hoping. Today is another great day to do good and to be successful. Healing is available—not just physically, but in every situation. All things are possible to those who believe. Believe.
