The simplicity of Sychar: humility in witnessing
So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour
(John 4:5-6).
Many times in the Gospels, we read of the Lord intervening in grace in the lives of men and women. But at Sychar’s well, the Lord teaches us, in the simplicity and ordinariness of an everyday event, His power to lead one person who was in deep need to Himself. At the same time, we learn from Him how to communicate our faith in Christ. I remember reading about an evangelist who prayed each day that he would have at least one opportunity to witness to the Lord Jesus. But when such opportunities present themselves, how do we take advantage of them? John explains that Jesus was weary as He sat resting from His journey. We are not usually at our best when we are tired and hungry, and the day is hot. But the Lord uses such circumstances to start a conversation with a woman who came to draw water. In doing so, He teaches us to always be ready to take advantage of everyday situations to speak about spiritual matters. Generally, we have no difficulty talking to people we meet about the weather, the Government, lockdown, family, and lots more. But it is difficult to speak about the Saviour. Of course, we can be very direct and jump straight in, almost blurting out the Gospel, or we may give some helpful literature. Thank God, the Lord uses these endeavours.
But the Lord at Sychar shows us how to make a commonplace experience special. He teaches us that communicating the things of God should be a natural process. So He starts the conversation by asking for a drink. First of all, the Lord puts Himself in the position of needing something rather than giving something. But He also knew that His simple request would create interest and surprise – and it did: “’How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”
As Christians, our humility in words and actions should be surprising, and attract the interest and attention of the people we meet. The humility of the Lord immediately drew the woman into a conversation which would transform her life.
But that conversation did not seem to start well. Straightaway, the woman raised barriers. We should not be surprised when people erect barriers or challenge our faith. These obstacles are often defences behind which people hide their spiritual need. The Lord had asked for a drink of water so He could give her salvation, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” (v. 10). He takes her on a journey into life. In doing so, Jesus shows us how to witness to Him in a world He describes as “already white for harvest!” (v. 35). He encourages us to watch Him, the greatest soul-winner, and learn how to minister His grace and love in a world which so much needs Him.
