Evangelism: Jesus and the Woman at the Well

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

After a long journey, Jesus, weary and thirsty, sat at the mouth of the well, yearning for a drink of water. Suddenly, a woman arrives with a bucket with the desire to draw the water he most craved for. So, like any rational person, Jesus requested of the woman a drink. What was to transpire next would change the life of both the woman and her people.

If you are new to this site or Christianity, the famous event I refer to is called Jesus and the Woman at the well, which is found in the Gospel of John. By following the link, you can access this account in John 4:4-26 (CLICK HERE).

What occurred that day near Samaria was a brilliant demonstration of the Creator of the universe lovingly persuading his beautiful creation back to him. Christians call this persuasive act, ‘evangelism’. We live in a time where a belief in Jesus as God and Saviour has greatly diminished. As Christians, we must see this as an urgent time to commit ourselves to sharing our faith with those who do not believe. But many of us are confronted with feelings and questions like:

*  I don’t know what to say?

* I don’t know what to do?

* I don’t know how to share my faith!

Even with these emotions, we can find comfort and guidance in our Master, Jesus. So, let’s take a closer look and see how Jesus approached the situation. Below, I have listed 7 things to remember when sharing your faith. I have adapted these from Bruce Milne’s ‘The Message of John’ (The Bible Speaks Today Series, pg 86-87). This list is not a comprehensive list, but it may help you when you share your faith with others.

(1) The importance of relating with the other person – When Jesus communicated with the woman at the well, he constantly used language that she could understand and relate to, e.g. living water, worship.

It is so tempting to use words that slip into the category of ‘Christianese’. Words like resurrection, sin, atonement, the blood of Christ, messiah and so on. For the average person on the streets, these words are foreign, meaningless and misunderstood. It is so important to speak with ‘normal’ or ‘common’ language. Phrases which will give clarity and negate misunderstandings may include:

‘Jesus has paid our debt to God’,

‘ We have all rejected God’,

(2) The importance of humility and naturalness – The woman at the well was a Samaritan and an adulterer. In the Jews eyes, she was a traitor and half breed and in the eyes of her own people, a sinner and outcast. However, throughout their conversation, Jesus remained calm, relaxed and ‘at ease’. The conversation seemed to flow; Jesus engaged with the woman’s concerns and situation. When she opened up to Jesus, he at no point stood in judgement of her.

We are all broken sinners, shameful and twisted. If we are all honest, the woman at the well represents us. Our only hope is in Jesus, and nowhere else. So, when we meet with others, our posture must be one of humility and understanding. If you are at ease, then those you share the gospel with will be more inclined to open up.

(3) The importance of knowing God, through his scriptures – During their conversation, the woman at the well raised some tricky theological issues. Although Jesus is God, most of his exchange with the woman was grounded in his knowledge of the scriptures and an understanding of history. As a result, Jesus was able to answer her concerns and guide her to a richer and deeper understanding of God’s plan for the world.

The prospect of studying God’s Word may daunt many of us. Most of us lead such busy lives. Yet, a deep and profound relationship with God is only made possible through his Word. Knowing God and how He is at work in the world is paramount. We must study the scriptures and work to understand them fully. There are some tricky passages, but there are many resources available for those who endeavour to invest in the Kingdom of God.

(4) The importance of staying faithful to God – Jesus presented the woman at the well with a gift that would come in the future, when Jesus returns. But he also offered a more fruitful way of living. Humbly and gently, Jesus interacted with the woman’s present issues.

I believe this area is one of the hardest areas to address with others. At risk of sounding judgemental, we are called to make disciples of Jesus. In doing evangelism, we are calling the world to turn away from their destructive way of living to living a life that glorifies God. Whether it be alcohol abuse or sexual immorality, to a love of money, like the prophets of the Old Testament, we are calling people to become disciples God.

(5) The importance of being positive and clear – While pushing some tough buttons and covering tricky ground, Jesus overall emphasis is on presenting the Gospel. Even though he risked offending the woman, he maintained throughout the conversation that he is the one who gives eternal life. His goal is not to make her a moral perfectionist, but a born again follower of Christ. As a result of his positive disposition and strong convictions, the conversation was a winsome one for Jesus.

Presenting the Gospel faithfully is essential. The goal of the evangelist is to present Jesus as the only saviour and cure for our rebellion. Sometimes, the temptation for the evangelist is to compromise with other beliefs. So often, when doing evangelism, the Christian is met be the comments ‘Your God is the same as my god’ or ‘All gods are the same’. However, with a positive demeanour and strong convictions, you will at least tickle the curiosity of all you speak to and, God willing win many to Christ.

(6) The importance of staying on track – The woman at the well was persistent in attempting to draw Jesus’ attention to peripheral issues, subconsciously trying to side track the conversation. Although the issues raised were important, Jesus remained focused on the primary issue, which being the woman’s need for salvation.

Time and time again, the evangelist is confronted by side issues, important but not primary to the Gospel. These would include things like Catholicism vs Protestantism, poor behaviour by clergy, important days of worship and so on. Yes, granted these do hold some weight and can be used to explain the fruits of the gospel, but they are not primary to understanding our personal need of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins.

(7) Finally, the importance of viewing other as image bearers of God – When tempted to express frustration, Jesus interacted with the woman respectfully and compassionately. He loved the woman, and therefore, yearned for her to come to faith in him.

If you love those around you, you will yearn to see them meet Jesus. God the Son became a man out of love for his Father and his creation. If we yield this love, then nothing can stop us, even if we are persecuted, or even killed. Whenever we step out to share our faith, we must see others as image bearers of God.

Yes, evangelism can be a daunting proposition, but with the guidance from the Master, you will be well equipped to engage in the battle ahead. Empowered by the Holy Spirit and with God working in the hearts of those to be saved, the Christian will never fail. Step out in faith and live to honour your master, as Paul said in Philippians:

  

That with all boldness, as always, Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.