Yesterday, I shared two of four techniques that Jesus used to initiate a spiritual conversation. He asked questions and He then listened to the answers. Today we see in Jesus’ example:
3. Jesus found a common interest. They were both at the well for water. Jesus used that hook to tell her of her need for living water.
Being practical, the woman responds by telling Jesus that He has nothing to draw with, how could He get “living water?” She mocks Him in verse 12 by asking if thou art greater than our father Jacob. This would be an insult to most Jews.
You must be prepared for insults when witnessing to the worldly. Jesus then explains today’s verse. It’s not physical but spiritual! How can you identify with your friends? Through sports? Music? Class work? Hobbies? Business? Common friends? Use those hooks to open a deeper conversation about God.
4. Jesus addressed the obvious. The woman still did not get it. She asks for the physical water so that she won’t have the exertion or social embarrassment of coming to the well.
Jesus asks her in verse 16 to call her husband. She responds that she has no husband. Jesus tells her that she is truthful. He also says that she has had five husbands and the one she lives with now is not her husband. Imagine her standing there, mouth hanging open. All she can say is, I perceive that thou art a prophet! Jesus clearly addressed the obvious. May we have the boldness to confront, when necessary, in our divine appointments.