John 4:15-26

January 31, 2008

In my first reflection on the beginning of John 1, I took special note of the introductory words of John that Jesus came to manifest the glory of His Father, being full of grace and truth. I said that this is a theme that I thought I’d return to many times in looking through the entire Gospel.

It was evident in chapter 2, when Jesus turned water into wine to liven up a dying party (grace), then went into the temple in a rage of anger and drove out the money changers and overturned their tables (truth). It was evident in chapter 3, as Jesus exposed Nicodemus’ ignorance (truth), but then shared the gospel with him (grace).

And it is evident here in chapter 4. Yesterday I shared my sense of wonder at reading Jesus’ words to the woman at the well, ‘Give me a drink of water.’ These words, and the encounter in verses 1-14, is complete grace. And so as I read verses 15-26, I took special note of the hard truth that Jesus began to bring out in this interaction. What ignited these thoughts especially were Jesus’ words in verse 17,

“You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.“

What incredible boldness! I would probably be afraid to say such a thing, thinking that I would alienate her to the point of ‘turning her off’ to spiritual matters. But Jesus does not mix words; He does not beat around the bush. He has shown her a wealth of grace already, but He mingles that perfect grace with bold, hard truth. This woman is an adulteress, and she needs to be confronted with the truth as well as receive grace if she is ever to become a true worshiper of the living God.

As soon as the woman indicated that she wanted the living water that Jesus offered (v. 15), Jesus went to work on exposing the idols of this woman’s heart that were keeping her from finding her true heart’s delight in Him. It is so essential in ministering to others (believers or unbelievers) that we get at their hearts and expose the hidden treasures that keep them from the ultimate, eternal treasure in Jesus.

As I read this passage, I found myself full of admiration for Jesus, who knows the heart perfectly and uses just the right words to lovingly break us in order that He might mold us into worshipers in spirit and in truth. I pray that He will give me the grace to see my own heart for what it is, and to treat others with grace even while boldly helping others to see into the depths of their own hearts.

Posted by Larry | Filed Under Gospel of John, Seeking Him 

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