I Am He

The woman said to Him, I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things. Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am He.

John 4:25-26

Christ did not shun a congregation of one. We find Him willing to minister to solitary individuals on numerous occasions. Our text lies in an account that details His ministry to the woman at the well of Sychar. She arrived at the well at midday, thus avoiding the other women who would have despised her for her rather checkered background. Christ engaged her in conversation about a drink of water, which transitioned into a much larger discussion about spiritual things. At a critical moment, when Christ revealed He knew the woman’s history, she attempted to divert the conversation toward what the Messiah would do when He arrived. Jesus took that moment to reveal Himself to her as the Christ. This is the first occasion in John’s gospel when Christ reveals Himself in such a manner. It is remarkable for its simplicity, directness, and mostly for its audience. He did not begin by revealing Himself to the Pharisees, the Priests, or the rulers of the land. He began with a marginalized woman, from a marginalized group in an ordinary environment. This is the Christ of the common folk. This is the revelation of greatness in the most ordinary of settings. This is the Savior for us.

Our Kind and Loving Savior,
we rejoice that You condescend to those of us who are of low estate.
We praise You that You reveal Yourself to us,
as the Anointed One of God.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning