John 4:39-42

Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.

This is the fourth part of the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. If you haven’t already, read John 4:1-38 before you begin today’s meditation.

Read John 4:39-42 taking note of anything that stands out to you.

What a contrast from the beginning of this story. The lonely Samaritan woman started her day as usual waiting for the optimum time to draw water from the well - the time she was least likely to run into anyone. Instead, she encountered Jesus, and that encounter changed everything. The living water given by the Messiah himself quenched her spiritual and emotional thirst and bubbled up so that she could not keep it to herself. In her excitement, she ran to the very people from whom she previously hid and issued a simple invitation, “Come and see…,” and this formerly thirsty woman was used by God to bring living water to many others.

This is the nature and power of the Gospel – the Good News about Jesus. It spreads through unexpected channels, through small and seemingly insignificant words and actions, but in the end the harvest is great.

Read John 4:39-42 again taking note of the eagerness with which the people of the village welcome Jesus.

This story illustrates how an authentic encounter with the Jesus of the Gospels changes everything.

Have any of your previous ideas about Jesus changed since you began getting to know him through the Gospels?

Have you seen change in yourself as you’ve encountered and interacted Jesus regularly?

Are there still areas of your life in which you desire change? Share your thoughts with Jesus.

The people of the village begged Jesus to stay with them. Have you ever felt that level of desperation for Jesus? Talk to him about that.

For the remainder of your time, sit quietly in the presence of Jesus. Consider asking him to reveal himself to you in a fresh, authentic way. If you sense him urging you toward a specific action, write it down and follow through today.

Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.

The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.