I feel compelled to compare the stories of Mary, an unwed virgin girl, without the past she knew necessary to conceive with the woman at the well who had a past she felt was unredeemable. Both found favor with God. Both were amazed at what God saw in them and trusted them with. Both left wondering “How can it be”? He blessed them both with His presence in a way that no other man could.
When Mary was visited by the angel and told that she would conceive the Son of God, her response was “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” (Luke 1:34 NLT) He picked her because it was inconceivable any other way. She knew the questions that would come. She knew this was impossible any other way, and still, she conceded with “May everything you’ve told me come true”. Basically, Your will be done.
When Jesus visited the woman at the well, He came with truth, grace, and salvation. Even in her shame. Even with her past of being with “too many men” and looked down upon by the people around her, He found favor in her and wanted her to know it.
Even His disciples were confused that He engaged with her. Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?” (John 4:27 NLT) Yet, He did. And He left her elated and excited that He knew her story…all of it.
The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” (John 4:25-26 NLT) Black and white, face to face, He shared with her. A woman with a past and currently living with a man who was not her husband. This is the Grace and Truth that changes us.
The Bible doesn’t say, but I bet she went home and changed. I bet she reflected on who she had encountered that day and was inspired to “Go and to sin no more”. Not because she was condemned by Him, but because she was convicted by Who He was and who she was to Him. That’s true conviction. I bet she changed because of His mercy and strength.
Mary’s physical body and story changed because she found favor with the Lord. The woman at the well’s heart and life changed because Jesus shared His truth alongside hers. Not to shame, but to prove that we know we can’t be completely loved without being fully known.
Whether you are a person without the past you think necessary to be used by God (like Mary) or a person with the past that you think has ruined your life, Jesus sees, knows, and loves you to the cross and to change. With or without your past, not only can it be, but it is done.
Amen!
The Love We Crave 