Conversation at a Well

Jesus’ relationships with women were always revelatory. I found his conversation with the Samaritan woman especially revealing. He came to the town well and asked this unknown woman for a drink. She is taken aback that Jesus, a Jew, would speak to a Samaritan.  He tells her if she knew who he was, she would ask him for a drink. Surprised, she said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket.” He tells her he has living water that if she drinks of it, she will never thirst again. She is intrigued and asked how this can be?

When he reveals that he knows about her private life, she realizes this is no ordinary man. Later she tells Jesus she knows the Messiah is coming and he tells her, “I who am speaking to you am he.” Jesus chooses this unnamed woman of failed relationships to be among the first to whom he reveals himself. And she immediately becomes an evangelizer, running to the town to tell others that she has met the Messiah.

In one of the longest conversations with anyone in the gospels, Jesus  ignores cultural taboos or past failures in encountering this foreigner and calling her to spread the good news. His dialogue with this woman gives testimony to the fact that salvation is for all without distinction and without exception.  He bestows his life-giving water on all who thirst for recognition and acceptance.