Winning the Woman at the Well

Read: John 4:1-27

Introduction:  We have been examining the subject of evangelism. In “Issachar Church” we studied the mindset of modern “Generation X” British people. In “Fishing Baits” we looked at the strengths and possible weaknesses of today’s evangelistic methods, taking that mindset into consideration. We conclude this short series by learning from the Master! What did Jesus do as He sought to win the woman at the well to the gospel?

1. Step Beyond the Comfort Zone. The region of Samaria was hostile and unwelcome territory for the Jews, so Jesus was outside of His normal and safe religious environment. He takes the initiative to speak with her, rather than waiting for her to speak with Him. She was also a woman and He was a man; a cultural “no-no” in that day. We will have to be bold and step beyond our cultural comforts if we are to reach this generation for Christ.

2. Always be Ready and Willing. The reason for Jesus’ stay by the well was due to His own personal fatigue. 2 Timothy 4:2 says we should “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Evangelists respond to the needs of others rather than just their own needs. If Jesus can reach someone for the gospel while bleeding on a cross, we can talk to someone about the Lord, even if we aren’t feeling one hundred percent!

3. Develop a Thick Skin.  A number of times the lady is antagonistic towards Jesus. There is both racial, political and religious tension between them. Jesus typifies His own teaching to “bless those who curse”. To the world, the Gospel message is foolish or offensive (1 Corinthians 1:23), and people may respond negatively to us. But we will need to refuse to take personal offence if we are to reach people for the Lord.

4. Speak the Native Language! When the Lord spoke with Nicodemus, He talked about deep theology, but with this lady He uses very simple illustrations. He does not preach from the Scripture but from the well and the water. Remember, “Generation X” is religiously uninformed and so we have to begin where our hearers are at if we want to be able to communicate with them. No jargon, ever. Learn to speak the native tongue!

5. Listen Carefully. The lady didn’t understand what Jesus was saying at first and the Lord carefully handled her misunderstandings. This can only happen by listening! He also listened for the word of knowledge that came from the Holy Spirit. He was also careful to return her to the subject at hand when conviction seized her! We will need to develop in the skill of listening, both to the lost and to the Lord, if we are to see them won for Jesus.

6. Preach Jesus!  “I, who speak to you, am He!” Ultimately, the message is not religion or spirituality. It is Jesus. Evangelists need to be careful that their hearers get an opportunity to hear about the Saviour Himself, not just anecdotes about church meetings or testimonies; good though those may be. “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Conclusion: This approach has something of each of the three models we have studied before. Jesus is relational; conducts a patient discussion which is both simple yet with an irrefutable testimony of God’s supernatural power. He boldly shares the Gospel message with her and the effect is amazing (John 4:28-35)! As with all successful evangelism, there is a partnership between man and the Spirit of God. We should seek to emulate this very much today.