The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you – I am he.” (John 4:25-26).

One of my favorite parts about being connected in a church community is listening to different stories of encounters with Christ. It seems like Jesus has a special and unique way of communicating with each of us. I’ve heard stories of having full conversations with him, receiving signs of some form, visions, and even dreams. As for me, I’m the type of person who feels things deeply. I find that if I allow myself to open up, I feel him press in and provide comfort and guidance in an emotional type of way.

What if you met him face to face? Would you recognize his voice and be interested in what he has to say? Consider the conversation with the Samaritan Woman. At first, the encounter doesn’t make any sense. A Jewish man asking a Samaritan woman for a drink from the well? She pushes back likely out of discomfort and confusion, probably wishing he would let her go about her day. To obscure the situation further, Jesus starts talking about “living water.” More uncertainty in the woman, noting his lack of anything with which to draw from the well.

Jesus, knowing exactly how to meet the woman in her uneasiness, begins to invite her into his story. Even though she doesn’t fully understand, something about his calm relentlessness, something in her that longs to learn about real truth and hope, draws her towards this man. She stops deflecting and begins to believe that there is something special about the man in front of her.

After hearing Jesus speak to her about her past, the woman believes she must be talking to a prophet. Jesus recognizes that she’s become much less apprehensive and invites her into a new form of worship in the Spirit. The woman, still unsure of what he’s talking about, shares her belief that the Messiah is coming who will make all things known. True to this belief, he lets her know right away that it’s him!

Does any of this sound familiar? It’s easy to get caught up in how we think the world works, who we think we’re supposed to be, how we think our day is supposed to go. When we think we have it all figured out, it becomes very difficult to be teachable. Suspending our own preconceived notions is crucial to fostering a listener’s attitude. Jesus is always willing to speak to us. He wants to reveal himself to us! Are we willing to listen?

What is it like when Jesus speaks to you?  What makes you less likely to listen?  What are one or two things you could try this week that might help you become more willing to listen?