Messengers of the GospelSample

An Encounter with Jesus

Can you remember the first time you really encountered Jesus? Maybe it was the moment you gave your heart to Him or the first time you sensed His presence in a real and personal way.

Where were you?

What were you doing?

Was anyone with you?

What series of events led you to that encounter with Jesus?

I still remember that day in my life. I was sitting alone in a church pew, listening to a woman share her story. Her words sounded very familiar. Her childhood had been broken and dysfunctional, just like mine. And yet there she was: speaking confidently, smiling, even laughing. Meanwhile, I felt like I was falling apart. I didn’t understand how she could be so full of life.

Then she explained the source of her joy. She had a relationship with Jesus, and that encounter had changed her life forever.

I wanted that.

I wanted Him.

Her story was riveting, and I was on the edge of my seat. It connected with my heart because in her story, I heard echoes of my own story. I had been trying to manage life on my own, but it wasn’t working. It was as if she reached out her hand and gently invited me with the same words spoken by the woman at the well: “Come and see.”

For years, I had been searching—searching for fulfillment, satisfaction, significance, worth, and value. But nothing ever truly satisfied. Still, her invitation stirred something in me. Could Jesus really be the One who could meet my deepest needs?

The Samaritan woman, known to many as the woman at the well, was searching, too. On the day she came to draw water, she encountered Jesus, the Living Water.

Jesus went out of His way to meet her. Isn’t that just like Him? We think we’re the ones seeking Him, but in truth, He’s been pursuing us all along.

Relentlessly.

Lovingly.

Jesus knew everything about the woman at the well — her past, her pain, and her longing. And still, He didn’t shame her; He offered her life. His words changed her forever. So much so that she dropped her water jar, ran to the town, and told the men, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29 NIV)

Notice that she didn’t wait to get it all together. She didn’t have a perfectly prepared testimony. Instead, she included her story—simple and raw— and invited others to experience Jesus for themselves. In the small town, they all knew what her past was, but they could also see the transformation and profound life change that had taken place in her. The townspeople followed her encouragement to come and see, and “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony.” (John 4:39 NIV)

When we experience the grace and love of Jesus, we too can invite others to “come and see.” No polish necessary— just a real story about a real-life transformed by Jesus.

Activity:

Take time to write out your story in three short parts today:

1. Your real life before Jesus. (1 paragraph or less)
2. When and how you encountered Jesus. (1 paragraph or less)
3. Your life now, walking with Jesus. (1 paragraph or less)

Then, practice sharing your story with a close friend or someone in your group. Also, pray for opportunities to share your story with the 5 people you have been praying for.