And he must needs go through Samaria. — John 4:4
The story of Jesus with the woman at the well is one that most Christians are well familiar with. We recall how Jesus told the woman that He could give her water where she could never thirst again. This verse at the beginning of the story is often overlooked in the story.
Samaria was not an area that the Jews wanted to travel to. While the direct path was through Samaria, they went around Samaria, rather than through it, because the people. The people were different. They were of mixed background, but that did not stop Jesus. He “must needs” go through Samaria.
Jesus did not need to go through Samaria as the only way to get to Galilee. There were many known paths around. He did not need to go there because there was a popular church or restaurant to visit. In fact, we find that when He got there, He simply sat down by the well.
Jesus went there specifically for this woman. While everyone around may turn away from Samaria, looking down on them, Jesus knew this woman needed Him. What’s even more astounding is that the woman had no idea she needed Jesus! All she knew was that she needed water from the well.
How exciting this is to think about for the Christian. Even when we do not know that we need Him, He is still there for us. There is nothing special in us, after all, He is God. Why should He even give us a moment of His time? Yet, many times He comes to us even before we know we need Him. How wonderful a God we serve!
