Two Destitute Women
Uplook – May 2023 — Grace & Truth Magazine
Two Destitute Women
The Woman At The Well
Jesus therefore, being wearied with the way He had come, sat just as He was at the fountain … A woman comes out of Samaria to draw water. —John 4:6-7 JND
This woman was not winsome, as we see when considering the chapter. She seemed destitute even of common courtesy, reluctant to give a drink of water to a stranger. Perhaps she judged that because He was different He should not be thirsty – or at least that He shouldn’t come to her with His problem.
Her love life was a disaster. Five marriages (quite a record in any society) had not worked out, so even the formalities were abandoned for mate number six.
It was not pleasant to have a conversation with this woman. Her speech was argumentative, evasive and sarcastic.
Why then did the Son of God walk miles out of His way over hot, dusty roads to meet this woman? Why subject Himself to her snubs and sarcasm? Why spend time talking to a person who reeked of moral and religious pollution?
The answer is love. Christ came to give forgiveness of sins and release from the grip of prejudice, lust and bitterness. He came to give life – eternal life – and to fill people with His love. All of this and much more were encompassed in His offer to her of “living water” which would quench her thirst forever (v.10). How vivid His description: “The water which I shall give … shall become … a fountain of water, springing up into eternal life” (v.14).
Although this incident took place nearly 2,000 years ago, its application is still as fresh today. Every day people are discovering what that destitute woman found – that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Real life begins with Him.
Her invitation in verse 29 still rings out, “Come, see a man who told me all things I had ever done: is not He the Christ?”
The Woman Needing Healing
But the woman, frightened and trembling, knowing what had taken place in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. —Mark 5:33
What did she tell Him? Perhaps she spoke first of her 12 years of frustrating search – how she had consulted many physicians, spent all her money and grown steadily worse. Then she may have described how she had heard of His marvelous power and wondered if He could meet her need. Undoubtedly, she told of her plan of approach to Him – to quietly touch His clothes without drawing attention to herself and then slip back into the crowd. But most of all, she would confess with tears of joy, “I am healed! My years of searching and suffering are over. You have made me well!” In that moment, a worshiper was born, as this destitute woman fell down at the feet of the Lord Jesus, overwhelmed with His person.
The Lord also spoke to her. Looking beyond her fear and trembling He saw faith. How her heart must have rejoiced as she heard Him say, “Thy faith has healed thee” (v.34). He also spoke words of peace to her heart. The very term of relationship by which he addressed her – “Daughter” (v.34) – would remove doubts and fears and cause her to go in peace. And then He gave wonderful words of life and assurance for the future, “Be well of thy scourge” (v.34).
Like this woman, we have every reason to tell the Lord “all the truth.” He knows and understands us completely; and His grace and power are more than enough for us, just as they were for her.
Tell Him all, He knows your problems.Tell Him all, not just a part.Hear Him whisper words of comfort,Let Him fill your broken heart.
By Grant Steidl