Follow My Lead: He Saw Her
Over the last several days, we've talked about hearing the Shepherd's voice, learning to trust Him, and allowing Him to guide our lives.
But before we move any further, I think we need to spend some time simply watching Jesus.
Not studying principles.
Not analyzing theology.
Just watching Him interact with people.
Because if we're going to follow His lead, we first need to understand His heart.
One of my favorite encounters takes place at a well.
Jesus is traveling through Samaria when He stops to rest beside Jacob's well. His disciples leave to buy food, and Jesus remains.
Waiting.
Watching.
Expecting.
Soon, a woman approaches.
A Samaritan woman.
Alone.
At an unusual hour.
And I can't help but wonder how long Jesus had been waiting for her.
He knew her patterns.
He knew her schedule.
He knew her story.
He knew exactly when she would arrive.
This wasn't an accidental meeting.
It was a divine appointment.
Jesus went to the well because He knew she would be there.
And I find that incredibly comforting.
How many times have I thought I was searching for God only to discover He had been waiting for me all along?
The woman arrives carrying a water jar.
Jesus arrives carrying something much greater.
An invitation.
But before He can offer her living water, He does something remarkable.
He crosses barriers.
At the time, Jews and Samaritans avoided one another. They disagreed culturally, politically, and spiritually. Most Jews would have gone out of their way to avoid this conversation entirely.
Jesus walked directly into it.
He also crossed a gender barrier.
Men rarely spoke publicly with women they didn't know.
Especially women with questionable reputations.
Yet Jesus wasn't concerned about appearances.
He was concerned about her.
Love often crosses boundaries that fear refuses to cross.
As their conversation unfolds, Jesus gently begins bringing her story into the light.
Not harshly.
Not publicly.
Not with condemnation.
He simply speaks the truth.
Patiently.
Kindly.
Lovingly.
He acknowledges that she has had five husbands and is currently living with a man who is not her husband.
Notice what Jesus doesn't do.
He doesn't shame her.
He doesn't lecture her.
He doesn't humiliate her.
He doesn't define her by her mistakes.
Instead, He reveals that He already knows.
And somehow, knowing everything about her doesn't stop Him from pursuing her.
That's what amazes me about Jesus.
The more He knows, the more He loves.
And then He offers her something completely unexpected.
Living water.
A new life.
A fresh start.
A relationship.
Hope.
Freedom.
The woman came to draw water.
She left having encountered the Savior.
And because of that encounter, she became one of the first people to tell an entire town about Jesus.
That's what happens when people experience His love.
They can't keep it to themselves.
As I've reflected on this story over the years, I've realized that's exactly the kind of person I want to become.
I want to be so full of Jesus that when I encounter others, His love spills out onto them.
I want people to feel seen.
Known.
Valued.
Understood.
I want grace and truth to flow together.
Not ignoring mistakes.
Not condemning them.
But helping people move forward.
That's what Jesus did for the woman at the well.
He met her exactly where she was.
He loved her too much to leave her there.
And He offered her a better way.
The same Jesus who waited at the well for her is waiting for us.
Patiently.
Lovingly.
Ready to offer living water to every thirsty soul willing to receive it.
Make It Personal
As you reflect on Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, spend a few moments thinking about what stands out to you most about Him.
Was it His patience?
His willingness to cross barriers?
His ability to speak truth without condemnation?
His pursuit of someone others overlooked?
Or His offer of living water and a new beginning?
Now consider your own life.
Where might Jesus be waiting for you at the well?
What barriers has He crossed to reach you?
What area of your life is He gently bringing into the light?
And what would it look like to receive the living water He offers instead of continuing to draw from the same empty wells?
Before moving on, take a few moments to simply sit with Jesus.
Watch Him.
Listen to Him.
Notice His heart.
What do you admire most about Him?
What part of His character do you want to imitate?he way Jesus did?
Dig Deeper
John 4:1-26 — Jesus and the Samaritan woman
John 4:39-42 — Her testimony impacts an entire town
Isaiah 55:1 — "Come, all you who are thirsty..."
Revelation 22:17 — The invitation to receive living water
Psalm 139:1-3 — God knows us completely
The Shepherd wasn't surprised by her story.
He already knew it.
And He loved her anyway.