The story of the Samaritan woman is one of the most famous Jesus stories as this was one of the first moments that Jesus made himself known as the Messiah to the public. Before His meeting with the Samaritan woman, Jesus asked His followers to keep quite about who healed them or set them free.
When I think of the Samaritan woman, I see how perfectly she represent so many woman I know. She was not perfect, in fact she was full of sin and judged for the choices she made. She felt shame for choices she most probably was forced to make, feeling there is no way out. Yet in the midst of her pain she was hopeful for a better tomorrow and looking forward to the day she can meet her Messiah. She had faith that He would show the way towards truth.
Doesn't that sound like a woman you know? Always working hard, hiding their pain, carrying on, holding onto hope and faith
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
It was because of her hope and faith in the Messiah that the Samaritan woman was worthy of becoming His disciple (telling everyone she met about Him). Not because she lead a perfect life or made good choices but because Jesus was her only hope and faith fulfilled.
25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”
Jesus “had to” go through Samaria to Jerusalem because he wanted to reach this one woman, and through her to reach her whole village. Nothing in her past or present could prevent Jesus from using her for His Kingdom. He was only looking for a true worshiper that understands that Salvation is found in Jesus.
We often feel like we come short of those around us, the image that is created of these perfect woman, mothers and sisters. We feel like we just aren't good enough and we cannot live up to the standard of woman we see on social media. We often feel we have come short of the dream we had for ourselves. If carry shame and pain of the past and are overwhelmed and tired our by all of our responsibilities and cares.
May the Holy Spirit find you just as Jesus found the Samaritan woman. May you be reminded of the Truth of who you are - You are His. Always keep your hope and faith in Jesus. He is our only source of rest, healing and salvation. He is searching those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth.
May He find you truly searching for Him in Spirit and Truth.