“So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, ‘Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?’ They went out of the city, and were coming to Him” ( John 4:28 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people, –30).

Leaving her jar at the well, the woman hurried back “into the city” and, gathering a crowd, excitedly said to the men, “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done.” A stranger who knew all about her past was no ordinary man. Jesus’ impact on her was so profound that she did not hesitate to share the news about Him—even with those familiar with her sordid reputation. Jesus had read her heart and forced her to face herself. She had already recognized her need (4:15), her sin (4:19), and who He was (4:26). Her immediate desire to witness to others was now the clinching piece of evidence that her conversion was genuine.

“This is not the Christ, is it?” The Greek construction of this question implies a negative or at least a doubtful answer. The woman described her conversation with Jesus and humbly deferred the question of His identity to the men. They were so impressed by her excitement and sincerity that they went to investigate Him for themselves. Though no specific number is given, the implication is that the woman’s excited testimony had stirred up a sizeable group.

Let the testimony of this woman work as a barometer of your own desire to proclaim the gospel as the Lord gives you opportunity.

Ask Yourself

The incessant demands of our daily wants and needs always serves as a willing excuse for putting off Christ’s command to proclaim our faith. What are some of the “waterpots” you need to put down from time to time so that you can be free and available to share what Jesus has done for you?

From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.

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