Throughout history women have had a difficult go of it. In first century Palestinian culture, women were seen as a low rung on the social ladder. But Jesus seemed intent on destroying social ladders. From the woman caught in adultery to Mary pouring perfume on Jesus’ feet, to this Samaritan woman at the well… we are given numerous accounts that show Jesus upsetting the rules of social order regarding women.


Jesus not only speaks with her, He initiates the conversation. He communicates to her that she is not “unclean” to Him, as the culture dictated. But neither does He avoid the topic of her sin. Without condemning her, He shows her that He knows everything about her… yet the Messiah HIMSELF is still willing to speak with her.


As we know, this turns her into a witness whose testimony converts many of the townspeople. What a wildly comforting gift to men and women alike! Social ladders mean nothing to Christ, who knows the depths of our sin and offers us all access to the Living Water we desperately need.