The last installment of the “Wisdom from The Well” series addresses the first need in the human heart — to know God and be known. In Part 2, we explored the Samaritan woman’s extraordinary discovery: Christ offers “living water” and she never needs to thirst again (John 4:9-13).

She grows eager for a drink until she hears Jesus say, “Go get your husband.” He knew the request would hit her between the eyes and that’s exactly where He wanted to be.

“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” - John 4:17 and 18 NLT

In healing our brokenness, I love how God doesn’t skip steps — although we might want to. He doesn’t mince words either. Before Ms. Wells (my term for the Samaritan woman) could fully embrace the new life, she needed to admit the condition of the old one. However, Jesus doesn’t make her sit in condemnation. Like the Shepherd He is, He guides her into truth.

He’s does the same for you and me — if we’re willing to follow Him. It can happen anywhere. Whether I’m reading my Bible or hoping the worst “what if” will go away, His truth is always accompanied by His love. Ms. Wells must have sensed it too because the conversation turns toward worship (verses 19 and 20).

Jesus replied, “...But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”  Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” - John 4:23-26 NLT

There He was. The Messiah was right between her eyes. Now He had her focus.

No matter how many times I read this passage, I’m overwhelmed by the intimacy of this moment. I know she’s been to divorce court five times. She’s been snubbed because of her ethnicity and confused over the whole “living water” thing.

We may not have her list, but we all have some messy truth. This passage in John 4 cleans up her mess one Bible verse at a time.

Those same verses address the issues in our lives. Whatever has us thirsty for forgiveness, acceptance, wisdom or empowerment, Jesus wants our desire and our focus too.

However, we don’t need to physically go to a well.

We don’t need to look any further than our worship.

The Father is looking for us.

That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.” - John 4:23 and 24 MSG

I can be simply honest with God, even when life is crazy and complicated. As I embrace the greater reality — He is always Perfect and All-Powerful and I am always loved — I can’t help but lavish Him with adoration.

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. - John 4:28-30 NLT

Ms. Wells’ became a worshiper with a megaphone that day.

What she knew about Christ intersected with Him knowing everything about her. As she ran back to her village, she wanted everyone to know they could have hope for the heart and joy to the soul.