"The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming.” … Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:25–26).
As soon as Jesus confronted the Samaritan woman with her sin, she changed the subject. This is very typical. We proclaim the Gospel, we confront unbelievers with their sin, we declare their need of Christ—and they want to engage in esoteric theological debate. We must be ready for these kinds of responses when we proclaim the truth to people.
We must also recognize our own tendencies to engage in religious conversation, seemingly to pursue truth but really running from the truth of our own sinful condition. It is much easier to discuss issues than to confront our own sin, to admit our guilt, and to take steps to repent of our wicked ways. It is much easier to stand on the periphery and contemplate high and lofty doctrines rather than face ourselves and deal with the particulars of how we live.
Jesus graciously indulged the woman. He used her inquiry about places of worship to turn her attention to His true identity. The woman didn’t want to talk about her sin, but she couldn’t get away from religion altogether. The Spirit was working on her heart. Even though the inquiry was a distraction, it was probably sincere. She really wanted to know the truth about worship. Jesus basically told her that the place of worship is less significant than the object and manner of worship. And He revealed that a time would come when people from all nations would worship God rightly.
Christians worship God in spirit and in truth. Worship is rooted in the very nature of God, who is spirit and truth. We must worship Him with humble hearts, and we must worship Him according to His Word, not according to our own imaginations.
The Samaritan woman had enough teaching to know that the Messiah would be the one who would usher in this kingdom of worshippers. Jesus directed her to the Messiah—Himself. This entire conversation that dealt with salvation, sin, and worship led her to Christ. If we do not recognize Christ as the Messiah, as the Redeemer, as our Lord, we have not truly found redemption. Coming face to face with Christ is at the heart of the Gospel.
Write out a presentation of the Gospel. Make sure you include a) the sinfulness of man; and b) the truth about Christ—who He is and why He is the only way. Make sure you have this ordered in your mind so you can share the Gospel clearly. Do not let them get off on issues, but stay focused.
