Unlikely Witness

7 "When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)"...

27 "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?”
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him." John 4: 7-8,27-30

These verses frame the amazing story of Jesus meeting with the adulterous Samaritan woman at the well. This woman truly had no business talking with Jesus - a. because she was a Samaritan and He a Jew (Samaritans and Jews wanted nothing to do with one another) b. because she was a woman (during the chauvinistic time of this narrative, a male would have regarded giving instruction to a woman a waste of time) c. She was a sexually promiscuous woman (she had had sinful trysts with 5 men, and was likely even shunned by her own people - why else would one be off in the desert heat of high noon all by themselves in order to fill their water jars, when every other woman did so in the cool of the dawn?).

She had no business talking with Jesus...but Jesus not only shared a cup with her, but He also shared the Good News of His coming with her. Jesus did not see a Samaritan, or a Woman, or a Sinner...Jesus saw one of His children in need of a Saviour.

And His time with her made quite an impact (time with Him always makes an impact), because when the disciples returned, she departed for the town boldly witnessing to all, the Good News of Jesus. And, surprise, surprise - people actually came out of the town to see and be with Jesus.

What I find interesting about this story, is that the disciples (all 12 of them) had just returned from the same town, and they didn't have one person following them out to see and be with Jesus. The disciples had also shared a cup with Jesus, and knew the hope of His glory. They had seen His miracles, and listened to Him teach of His love which led to eternal life. They too, (even more so than the Samaritan woman) had a story to bear witness to - and one would think that they would be eager to do so to any and everyone they came into contact with.

Yet they returned to Jesus without anyone following them, while the Samaritan woman's story brought out many. How is it that these "super spiritual" disciples were out witnessed by the town pariah?

I suppose one could argue that the disciples didn't witness at all, because they didn't think they were supposed to do so with the despised Samaritans. However, I think this is a good story from God to remind us that the testimony of anyone, no matter who they are, or what they have done can be effective for Christ.

Sometimes the best witnessing is not done by Pastors, or Theology Professors who have always lived their lives in obedience to Christ...sometimes the best witnessing is accomplished through the humble stories of broken and hurting people so loved by God.

Your story with God is unique, and it is your own - nobody can deny it or take it from you. You do not need a masters in theology to be a witness for Jesus - all you need to do is tell others your story of meeting Him.

May God, through His Spirit empower everyone of us to share our stories, that He might change lives.

Be God's, Scott