The Woman at the Well — Sharing Transformation

We all have stories we’d rather hide... past choices, labels, or wounds that make us feel disqualified. Sometimes, we settle for surface-level connections because we’re afraid to be truly known.

The woman at the well knew that feeling. She came to draw water at noon—the hottest, quietest time of day—to avoid the glances and whispers of others. But Jesus meets her there, not to expose her shame, but to transform it.

He offers living water. A new life that doesn’t run dry. And her response? She runs back to the very people she had avoided to say, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.”

Her story reminds us that the people most aware of their need for grace often become the most powerful witnesses for it.

First, the characters:

Jesus: The Messiah, the Son of God, who crosses social, gender, and expected moral barriers to bring life. He reveals a God who knows us completely, even our brokenness and sin, and still invites us close.

The Samaritan woman: A marginalized figure shaped by rejection and failed relationships, she represents those who feel unseen or unworthy. Her encounter with Jesus transforms her shame into a bold witness as she becomes the first evangelist in her community.

The disciples: Followers of Jesus who often struggle to understand the scope of his mission. Their confusion here highlights how Jesus continually expands their view of who belongs in God’s family.

The Samaritans: A community divided from the rest of the Jewish people by history, prejudice, and some religious convictions. At this time, typical Jews—and especially rabbis like Jesus—would not associate with Samaritans.

The setting and genre:

John’s Gospel (a historical narrative that tells the good news about Jesus) is filled with symbolism and layered meaning. This story takes place at Jacob’s well, an ancient site tied to covenant and marriage. John intentionally highlights that the woman has had five husbands and is with a sixth man. Then Jesus enters the scene—the seventh, symbolizing divine completeness. He is the true bridegroom who offers her restoration and belonging.

Samaritans and Jews shared a tense history. Jesus’s choice to engage her directly broke cultural taboos of ethnicity, gender, and what was considered appropriate behavior, all to show that no one is beyond the reach of his love.

Open a Bible and Read:

John 4:1–42

Discuss or Journal:

1. What stands out to you about how Jesus speaks to the woman?

2. Why do you think she leaves her water jar behind when she runs back to town?

3. How does her story show that testimony isn’t about perfection but transformation?

4. Where might Jesus be inviting you to bring your story into the light?

Jesus doesn’t shame the woman, he sees her. And when his conversation hits a little bit too close to home, it seems like she tries to change the subject. While Jesus answers her questions too, he points back to the heart of the matter— God’s looking for people to worship him in spirit and in truth. This invitation to her, and to us, comes right before he shares his identity as the long-awaited Messiah.

In revealing the truth about her life and himself, he also reveals his heart: He knows her fully and loves her completely. Her encounter becomes her testimony. She leaves her jar, the symbol of her daily routine and emptiness, because she’s found what truly satisfies.

Her story spreads throughout the village, and soon others believe, not just because of her words, but because they meet Jesus for themselves: “It is no longer because of your words that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves.”

Our testimonies are invitations, not conclusions. They point others toward their own encounter with Christ.

A Prayer Before Sharing the Gospel

Jesus, I have found so much joy in following you, and you have done so much for me. I’m thankful for your kindness, forgiveness, healing, and comfort. I want everyone to know what it’s like to do life with you and be filled with your Spirit. Help me know when and where to tell others about how you’ve met me and changed my life. Help me to truly listen and ask good questions. Help me to really care about others and first show them your love. Holy Spirit, please give me your words. Amen.

Share with God + Share with Others

With God: Take time to reflect on how Jesus has met you in places of shame or struggle. Thank him for his transforming love.

With Others: Write out a few sentences of your story—what life was like before Jesus, how you encountered Him, and how he’s changed you. Then ask God for one opportunity this week to share that story with someone who needs hope.

What next??

Both the man set free in the Gerasenes and the woman at the well began their stories in isolation, and both ended in community. Each met Jesus personally, experienced transformation, and then shared what he had done. Their words alone didn’t convert everyone, but they opened doors for others to encounter Jesus for themselves.

That’s the heart of testimony. God doesn’t ask us to have every answer. He invites us to bear witness to his work in our lives. Whether your story feels dramatic or ordinary, polished or in progress, it’s a story God can use. It’s not that different from sharing about the many other things we are passionate about and enjoy. Except, of course, that our faith is likely the thing we are most passionate about, and has the potential to set others free, too.

We've created a resource to help you begin naming and sharing that story—first with God, then with others. Because the good news of Jesus isn’t just meant to be believed; it’s meant to be told.

Find it at reclaimtoday.org/guides