Passing the Flame

In a world consumed by chaos and division, we're called to be more than passive observers asking 'Are you okay?' This message takes us into the heart of John 4, where Jesus intentionally crosses cultural boundaries to meet a Samaritan woman at a well during the hottest part of the day.

What unfolds is a masterclass in evangelism that challenges our assumptions about sharing faith. Jesus didn't accidentally stumble into this divine appointment—He had to go through Samaria, not geographically, but spiritually. This woman, avoiding the morning crowds due to her reputation and five failed marriages, encounters the one person who sees past her shame to her worth. Jesus makes three powerful moves: He's intentional about the conversation, He makes the good news personal by telling her God has a gift specifically for her, and He reveals Himself as foundational to everything she's been searching for.

What's remarkable is that this unnamed woman, with an imperfect understanding and a messy past, becomes the first person Jesus explicitly reveals His identity to—and she immediately becomes an evangelist to her village. We don't need perfect theology or a spotless past to share Jesus. We need willingness, intentionality, and trust that God works through our imperfect messages to accomplish His perfect purposes.