| We are following the footsteps of Jesus during His earthly ministry. This time He was walking north, back up to Galilee. He took the shorter route leading through Samaria. Many Jews preferred the longer road on the far side of Jordan, but Christ must have been led by the Holy Spirit in order to touch the life of one needy woman. Had He prayed that morning to be led to some soul that day? Was this the answer? Christ often spoke to large crowds but He also had many personal interviews or contacts. Seventeen times in the Gospel of John He was seen speaking alone to one person. This story is both helpful and encouraging. Do you often feel you would like to witness for Christ to more people? Do you feel you would really like to get alongside people and talk to them about Jesus? Watch the master soul-winner at work and learn from His gracious methods. How did He make contact, or break the first barrier? He used an every day incident and made a very simple request. He asked for a favour. Others might never have spoken to her. Had she passed the disciples on the road as they were going into town and she was coming out? Did they ignore her or pass by on the other side? Perhaps if we spoke more often and more graciously to those who serve us in a store or who are our neighbours, opportunities might open up more often. Notice how Christ listened to her. He certainly said quite a lot to her but she said just as much. Here is one of our problems. We like to talk or top the other person's story when it would be far better if we learned to be good listeners. It would be interesting to know the tone of voice she used when replying to Christ's request. Did she throw the words at Him? No doubt she was surprised but Christ responded so graciously. His reply led to further conversation and, no doubt, to her conversion. Perhaps our first lessons in witnessing might be to use an every day incident as a point of contact and learn to listen and accept people as they are. | 
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