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“Come see a man who told me all that I ever did.”
~ John 4:29

There’s plenty to be amazed about when we think of Jesus, but one particular aspect of Him has me constantly astounded. As the Holy One of God (John 6:69) walks around, we see an amazing paradox: those who should be most fearful of Him – people steeped in sin – actually flee to Him. He exposes our sin for what it is, and yet He draws us to Him.

One example is particularly poignant for those of us concerned with questions of life. In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. He is on his own, his disciples having gone to the city to buy food. The woman he meets is there at a curious time; it’s midday and the sun is at its height, scorching the earth. It’s the wrong time to be out getting water (or doing anything else). So why is she there at this time?

We’re not told exactly why, but it’s not hard to put the clues together. A little later, we learn that she has “had five husbands”, and the man she currently lives with is not her husband (4:18). We don’t know the details of how she has ended up in this situation – whether it’s her own fault or that she is simply the victim of men who have used her and then cast her aside – but what is clear is that this is a matter of shame for her in her society. And so here she is, at midday, when there is nobody else around.

Except that there is somebody. Jesus is there. As they talk about water, He turns the conversation to her living arrangement. “Go call your husband,” says Jesus, and the truth now comes tumbling out. She is a woman carrying the stain of sexual sin. But what happens next is extraordinary. Jesus continues to speak with her, drawing her into a conversation about eternal matters, until He finally reveals Himself, “I who speak to you am (the Messiah).” (4:26)

It’s what happens next that I want us to reflect upon. The woman returns to the town and plunges herself amongst the people there that only minutes ago she was so desperate to avoid. And look what she says to them:

“Come see a man who told me all that I ever did.” (v29)

For years, she would have made every effort possible to hide who she was and what she had done. But now everything has changed. Jesus has seen all of her – all the activity that has brought such shame – and she loves it!

I imagine that the women who come to crisis pregnancy centres, or who simply want someone to know about their situation, are often like this Samaritan woman. They may possibly feel ashamed about what they’ve done, or simply the position that they’re in. It’s hard to open up when we feel this way. It’s difficult to be honest when we fear that the truth will be used against us. So how wonderful if they might come across someone who meets them like Jesus meets the Samaritan here. He doesn’t pretend that the problem doesn’t exist, He doesn’t even avoid the reality of the sin that may be (at least some) part of it. But despite this, the woman is quite clear that for Jesus to know all about her life of shame is a good thing.

Oh, that we would be the same! Oh, that we would hold out grace and mercy to those who have had their lives exposed and, in doing so, point them to the Messiah who has done the same for us. If we have any sense of the grace of Jesus shown to us and the powerful work it has done in our own lives, then we ought to be encouraged to reflect that grace to those we come across as we work for the protection of the most vulnerable.

And in doing so, our prayer is that they would also come to know the goodness of Jesus. For the Samaritan woman, knowing Jesus was like stumbling across a fountain in the desert – with water that would quench her thirst forever (4:14). Who can we point to that living water so that they might then cry out to others, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?”

Prayer

Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the grace and truth You reveal to us in Him, the way He so lovingly both exposes our sin and deals with it for us. Help us as we speak to others to approach them in the same way. Make us wise and merciful as we speak to them about their lives and the good news of Jesus. Use us, we pray, to point people to the living water that only Jesus can provide. We ask this in Jesus’ wonderful name, Amen.

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Prayer Points

• Pray that the Spirit of Truth goes forth to make abortion unthinkable in Australia.
• That the Body of Christ unifies in prayer and advocacy, upholding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death in our unique spheres of influence — speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
• Pray for the Lord to bless and empower men (according to Malachi 4:6) to lead in the protection of women and children.
• That Australians will vote according to the defence of LIFE in all the upcoming elections. That the political leaders who have muzzled the politicians from any discussion or bills about abortion — repent, and these bans be lifted in Qld, SA and Federally. That the Babies Born Alive (Human Rights — Children Born Alive Protection Bill 2021) tabled in the Australian Federal Parliament be passed with no more delay, legislating across Australia that babies born alive after a failed abortion, receive proper medical care and legal protection.
• That every church across Australia be a trusted place of mercy and compassion, operating as a House of Refuge. Creating havens of safety and acceptance for those experiencing an unplanned/crisis pregnancy or who have been hurt by a previous abortion.
• For Hubs of Love to be established in every city and town in the nation.
• Women and men in crisis to phone the compassionate and confidential Pregnancy Help Australia or visit a life-affirming pregnancy centre — being protected from pro-abortion doctors or clinics.
• That the abortionist doctors and nurses involved will have the spiritual veil of deception removed to see the humanity of the unborn — causing deep repentance. Help the Body of Christ to be ready to lead them in healing.
• We pray for every state and territory of Australia to arise in the cause of defending life in the womb from the tragedy of abortion and come together to walk for life. A blessing on the “Walk for Life Adelaide” on 8 February 2025 and “March for Life” Brisbane — date TBA, Mackay “March for the Babies” in October, “March for the Babies” Melbourne, Perth’s Rally for Life in May, and for all Territories and States to join in and hold a Walk for Life in their city/region.
• Pray for Love Adelaide’s Walk for Life 2025 on 8^th February from 10am-12pm to grow in momentum and fruitfulness. Pray for effective doors of favour to open, health and strength for the leaders, speakers and volunteers, for finances, safety and perfect weather.