Scripture Reading: John 4:1-42
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” (John 4:16–18)
After the woman of Samaria expressed her desire for the living water that Jesus was offering, the Lord changed the direction of their conversation. Jesus cut to the chase. He asked the woman to go and bring her husband. Jesus knew that this was the big issue in the woman’s life.
It was the reason why she was fetching water alone at the well. She was probably someone any other woman would not want to be seen with. She probably had learnt to walk alone. Jesus therefore confronted her with the big issue in her life.
The woman evaded the question with an indirect answer. I’m sure the look on her face was one of horror and irritation. Who was this stranger prying into her business? Jesus did not back down. He proceeded to deal with the biggest issue in the woman’s life as it was without condemning her.
As a matter of fact, the Lord knew all about the woman right from the beginning of the conversation. However, he didn’t plunge right into her shortcomings and condemn her for her failings. He didn’t use what He knew about the woman to call her out.
Even in revealing the Samaritan woman’s unpalatable past, Jesus commended her for her honesty. Actually, she wasn’t totally honest with her answer; yet Jesus spoke well of her. That is how He was able to connect with her and get her to appreciate His message.
This does not mean overlooking or condoning sin. For us to experience salvation, we must face the reality of our sinfulness. It is when we acknowledge our sin that we receive God’s grace of forgiveness.
As you share the gospel with others, it is essential for you to help them to see their sinfulness before a Holy God. However, that should not be done in a condemnatory way.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know me just as I am. Help me to know myself as you know me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Source: Pastor Mensa Otabil