In Mark 8:36 Jesus implies that the total value of all the world, all of the gold in Fort Knox, all of the diamonds of Africa, all of the oil in the MIddle East is not worthy to be compared with the value of one human soul. The soul of a man is so valuable that God left heaven for it. He entered a life of poverty and humility for it. He endured a death of pain and humiliation for it. He weeps over it. Prays for it, and gives his life on account of it.

So, considering how valuable the soul of one man or woman is, let me ask you: What are you willing to do to win one soul to Christ? Now, certainly we cannot die to redeem the souls of men. But, there is plenty we can do in the here and now for the sake of the soul. Consider these nine things Jesus did to reach the soul of the Woman at the Well (John 4). Let his example inspire you!

1. He Defied Religious Customs.

In Jesus’ culture there were many obstacles to relationship between him and the woman at the well. Yet, he quickly and tactfully overcame such barriers. It is a well known fact that Jews did not drink or eat from containers used by Samaritans. But Jesus, in asking for a drink, breaks both social custom and Jewish law in order to make relational contact with the woman. She states her shock and alludes to Jesus’ culturally-cavalier manner, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (John 4:9)

2. He Ignored Social Protocols.

Jesus, ignoring both Samaritan and Jewish social norms, bypasses prohibitions on men and women speaking together in private. Jesus defies the common caste system of his day, showing no partiality, racism, or cultural snobbery to the Samaritan woman. He overcomes obstacles that relationally separate him from her and in so doing is able to communicate the gospel to her in a much more effective and persuasive manner.

3. He Left His Own Turf.

An important fact in the story of the Woman at the Well is that Jesus encounters the woman on her turf. Although the unfolding conversation might have been unfamiliar to her, the location was where she went every day, usually a couple of times a day. Out of love Jesus puts himself at a disadvantage. He does not need to feel safe at home. He does not need to invite her to where he is comfortable. He can go where she goes, so that by any means necessary he might win her heart to the gospel.

4. He Made Time.

Alongside unique cultural and social barriers there is a barrier that is common to all relationships and relational evangelism endeavors: the barrier of time. Time is always limited and limiting. But, Jesus makes time for the woman at the well. This is implicit in the posture that he takes in her presence. John, the Gospel writer, is careful to point out that Jesus sits down in her presence. Sure, he is tired and weary from his trip, but he intends to rest in her presence. His sitting slows him down enough for relationship. His silence leaves room for interruption. He is not irritated by the interruption, knowing that it is no interruption at all but the very purpose for his trip. The seated posture, the silence, and the openness to interruption all make room and opportunity for relationship with the woman. From this opportunity that Jesus has intentionally created, he engages in further relational practices.

5. He Quit Serving.

Common experience teaches us that close friends exchange favors and gifts. The exchange of gifts is a necessary aspect of any close relationship. So, it is not surprising that Jesus allows the woman at the well to serve him with a gift. He permits her to place him in her debt. She would expend the energy of drawing the water from the well, lifting the jar, pouring, and serving. God is always in control, but He is no control freak. He does not have to do everything. Jesus certainly could have quenched his own thirst without the efforts of the woman and even without water itself. He could have drawn his own water but in refusing to do so he provides space for her to take part in the dignity of work, hospitality, and service. His invitation to be served served a greater purpose as an invitation to relationship with her soon-to-be Savior.

6. He Demonstrated Genuine Respect.

Real and genuine relationships exhibit mutual respect. Upon examining the somewhat detailed conversation between Jesus and the woman, one finds a high level of respect in Jesus’ manner. In other words, Jesus treats her like a human created in the image of God. She has something to contribute. She is wanted and necessary. Therefore, Jesus treats her with the requisite respect she deserves. He reasons with her, engaging her intellect, and taking her objections seriously. He discusses history, theology, the nature of worship, and eschatology with her. The conversation was longer than is recorded but even in this short account the respect that Jesus has for this women is evident.

7. He Exhibited Gentleness.

In addition to the exchange of services and respect, this budding relationship between strangers exhibits another key trait of all real relationships: gentleness. Even while dealing with the difficult and touchy subjects of marriage, divorce, and sin, Jesus is gracious and gentle. He is able to rebuke and exhort without necessarily tearing apart the relational progress he has made with the woman. It is necessary in all evangelism to call people to repentance, and Jesus models this practice with grace and love.

8. He Listened.

Jesus’ relational prowess can also be seen in his approach to dialogue. He is engaging the woman respectfully, discussing with her very important topics of the day. But, much can be seen in what he does when he is not speaking. He is listening. Though he knows all about this woman and can even read her heart and mind, he allows her space and time to talk, to speak her heart and mind. He responds to her questions and concerns. He listens and asks questions and listens some more. In verse 17, it is made explicit that through responding to her statements and questions, Jesus is allowing her to control, to some degree, the flow of conversation. He asks questions because he wants to know the woman more and because he wants her to know him more. He wants to know where she is in her thinking and in her religious and spiritual experience. He does not engage with her as if she were a two dimensional caricature of a person. She is more than a personality type. She is more than a typical Samaritan. She is unique and Jesus’ conversation and evangelistic approach are equally unique. The questions are not merely a tactic or a sales strategy. They are not a sneaky apologetics approach. They are born out of a heart of true relational love for the woman.

9. He Shared the Gospel.

After spending potentially hours in dialogue with this lone stranger, Jesus has broken down many barriers that historically kept Jews from Samaritans. He has plowed through religious and racial barriers. He has treated this stranger with respect, gentleness and even displayed vulnerability in admitting his tiredness and thirst. He then culminates this relationally evangelistic encounter with the telling of the gospel. It is summarized for us in John 4:25-26, “The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (he 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)

And, what happened next? “So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (John 4:28)