Conversion: Woman of Samaria

In this example of conversion Jesus concealed his divine identity in order to draw the woman of Samaria to himself. If we met our Maker, Lawgiver and Judge, we might flee from him, but Jesus approached her as a fellow-human. His gentleness should make us confident to come to him. He ignored social rules by speaking to a woman and Samaritan, showing that he welcomes those whom others ignore and even takes the initiative to bring them in. Her life was so dysfunctional other people would probably avoid her, but Jesus the Saviour draws near to such people. When he began to expose her longings and her sins she must have felt uncomfortable - we should never draw back from God's Word when it probes us because he will bless us if we receive it with meekness (James 1:21). Talking about religious issues never saved anyone but meeting Jesus does. That was the turning point in her life - 'I who speak to you am he.' God in Christ becomes everything to us. She left her water pot as if these things did not matter any more. The focus of her life was no longer self - not 'See me', but 'See a man who ...' If we remain focused on ourselves it casts doubt on our Christian profession. But the only way to get rid of self-centredness is to meet Christ Jesus. Her conversion led to others, as often happens. She who had five husbands found that her Maker was her husband and she brought forth spiritual children for him (Psalm 45).