How do we present the Gospel like Jesus to the lost? How can I lead a lost person to God through Jesus? Let’s examine the woman at the well and learn how Jesus did it.
Video (audio of sermon)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” These are the words of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 28:19–20, often referred to as the Great Commission. It’s a mandate—clear, simple, and universal. Yet for many believers, the concept of evangelism stirs up a sense of uncertainty or fear. Some worry about saying the wrong thing. Others carry the weight of past experiences where evangelistic efforts felt more like confrontations than conversations. But what if we’ve made it more complicated than it needs to be?
In this article, we explore the powerful blueprint Jesus Himself gave us in John chapter 4—the account of His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. More than a theological lesson, it’s a real conversation, rich with wisdom, strategy, and compassion. And it has everything to do with how we are called to share the gospel today.
A Relatable Beginning
The encounter begins in the most human way: Jesus was tired. He sat down at a well, thirsty from His journey, and when a Samaritan woman came to draw water, He asked her for a drink. That’s it. No grand sermon. No immediate call to repentance. Just a simple request. This is something we often forget—evangelism doesn’t always begin with a theological debate. Sometimes, it begins with a question, a need, or just a moment of shared humanity.
Jesus broke social norms to talk to this woman. Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans, and men—especially rabbis—rarely addressed women publicly. Yet He opened a conversation not with judgment, but with a gesture of trust and dignity.
Shifting from Practical to Spiritual
As their conversation unfolded, Jesus gently transitioned from the physical to the spiritual. He spoke of “living water”—a metaphor that piqued her curiosity but didn’t immediately register. Instead of being frustrated by her misunderstanding, He met her where she was. He answered her practical concern about drawing water and then nudged the dialogue deeper, into the realm of eternal life.
This is a key takeaway for us today: Evangelism is not about forcing someone to “get it” in the first five minutes. It’s about walking with them, at their pace, toward the truth.
Truth with Love
Then came the turning point. Jesus told her to call her husband, and when she admitted she had none, He revealed that He knew her entire history. Five husbands. Living with a man who wasn’t her husband. In that moment, Jesus exposed the truth of her situation—but He didn’t shout it. He didn’t mock her. He didn’t list her sins like a rap sheet. He stated the truth plainly, without cruelty.
That matters.
So often, well-meaning Christians point out sin in a way that only brings shame, not repentance. But Jesus, filled with grace and truth, showed us that when we speak the hard truths, they must be wrapped in love and genuine concern for the soul of the person in front of us. We are not spiritual prosecutors. We are ambassadors of reconciliation.
The Power of Personal Revelation
What followed is one of the most profound moments in all of Scripture. The woman, recognizing there was something divine about Jesus, brought up the topic of worship and the coming Messiah. And Jesus did something incredible—He told her point blank, “I that speak unto thee am he.”
This wasn’t just a confession. It was a gift. He entrusted her with a revelation He hadn’t openly shared with many others at that time. And she was a Samaritan woman with a complicated past.
Let that sink in: Jesus chose her—not a Pharisee, not a scholar, but her—to reveal His identity. That is grace. That is love. That is how we should approach evangelism: not as gatekeepers of divine truth, but as humble carriers of good news for everyone, no matter their past.
What Evangelism Really Requires
What was her response? She dropped her waterpot, ran back to town, and told the men, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29). She didn’t wait until she had a theology degree. She didn’t memorize a script. She simply shared her experience—truthfully, enthusiastically, and without shame.
This is the heart of evangelism. Not a polished performance. Not a quota. Just a soul that’s been changed, sharing the news with others.
Why We Must Use the Law—and Love
There is a reason why we present the law before we offer grace. People need to understand why they need salvation before they can truly appreciate what they are being saved from. Jesus didn’t gloss over the woman’s sin. He acknowledged it, but He did so without crushing her. The law convicts; it doesn’t condemn. That’s the job of the Holy Spirit.
The gospel message is not just “God loves you,” and it’s not just “You’re a sinner.” It’s both: “You are a sinner, loved by a holy God, and Christ has paid the price for your sin so you can be restored.” This message only makes sense when the full context is shared. Anything less is incomplete.
It’s Not Up to You to Convince Anyone
One of the most freeing truths in all of this is found in John 6:44—“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” Evangelism is not about your eloquence, your experience, or your charisma. It’s about obedience. You plant the seed. God gives the growth.
The Holy Spirit does the convincing. Your role is to speak, to love, and to reflect Christ. That’s it. And it is enough.
Lessons from the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts gives us 20 examples of evangelism, each unique in context and approach. Sometimes it was one-on-one, like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Sometimes it was to a crowd, like Peter at Pentecost. But each instance shared core components: the reality of sin, the necessity of Christ, and the simplicity of faith.
In Acts 16, when the jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul’s response was simple: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” That’s the message. It hasn’t changed. And it never will.
A Call to All Believers
You don’t need a microphone. You don’t need a stage. You just need love in your heart and truth on your lips. Evangelism is a mandate, not an optional ministry. It’s a calling for every believer, whether in a pulpit or at a coffee shop.
Ask the Lord for opportunities. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your words. And remember—Jesus began with a drink of water. You can start with a simple “hello.”
This is our mission. This is our privilege. And this is our joy.
Examples of evangelism found in Acts
1 – Acts 2:1–41
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit falls upon the apostles. Peter preaches to a crowd in Jerusalem, explaining the miracle and proclaiming Jesus as the risen Lord and Christ.Context – Jews (and Jewish proselytes from many nations)
Results – About 3,000 souls were saved and baptized
Issues – Some mocked, saying they were drunk
What can we learn – The Holy Spirit empowers evangelism; clear, bold preaching leads to massive impact.
2 – Acts 3:1–26
Peter and John heal a lame man at the temple, drawing a crowd. Peter declares Jesus as the author of life and calls them to repent.Context – Jews
Results – Many believed; total number of male believers grew to about 5,000 (Acts 4:4)
Issues – Arrest and questioning by religious leaders
What can we learn – Use divine opportunities to share the gospel; healing and truth together bring conviction.
3 – Acts 4:1–22
Peter and John defend their faith before the Sanhedrin, declaring that Jesus is the only name by which we must be saved.Context – Jews (Sanhedrin)
Results – Church continued to grow; their boldness amazed the leaders
Issues – Imprisonment, threats, but release due to public favor
What can we learn – Fear of man must not silence our witness; God’s Spirit grants courage.
4 – Acts 5:17–42
The apostles are jailed, miraculously released, and continue teaching. Before the council, they boldly assert obedience to God over man.Context – Jews
Results – Many added to the church; growth continues
Issues – Arrest, flogging, threats
What can we learn – Joy in suffering honors Christ; persecution can’t stop the gospel.
5 – Acts 6:8–7:60
Stephen preaches a powerful message recounting Israel’s history and calling out their resistance to the Holy Spirit. He is stoned for his testimony.Context – Jews (Sanhedrin and mob)
Results – No conversions noted; his death sparks widespread persecution
Issues – False witnesses, violent opposition, martyrdom
What can we learn – Faithfulness may cost your life; the gospel often provokes hostility before fruit emerges.
6 – Acts 8:26–40
Philip is led to share the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah. He explains the Scriptures and baptizes him.Context – Gentile (a God-fearer)
Results – One man saved and baptized
Issues – None recorded
What can we learn – God orchestrates divine appointments; personal evangelism is vital.
7 – Acts 9:1–22
Saul is confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. Blinded and humbled, he believes, is baptized, and begins preaching Christ.Context – Jew (Saul the Pharisee)
Results – Saul is converted and becomes Paul the apostle
Issues – Initial skepticism from believers; attempts on his life begin
What can we learn – No one is beyond salvation; God’s grace can transform even enemies.
8 – Acts 10:1–48
Peter preaches to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion. The Holy Spirit falls on all who hear, and they are baptized.Context – Gentiles
Results – Entire household saved
Issues – Peter criticized later by Jewish believers
What can we learn – The gospel is for all; obedience to the Spirit may challenge tradition.
9 – Acts 13:6–12
Paul and Barnabas confront Bar-Jesus, a sorcerer trying to hinder the gospel. Paul rebukes him, causing blindness. The proconsul believes.Context – Gentile authority (Sergius Paulus); opposition from Jew (Bar-Jesus)
Results – Sergius Paulus believed
Issues – Spiritual opposition; miraculous judgment
What can we learn – Boldness and discernment are crucial; expect resistance when the gospel threatens power.
10 – Acts 16:13–15
Paul preaches to a group of women at the riverside in Philippi. Lydia responds in faith and is baptized with her household.Context – Gentiles (God-fearing)
Results – Lydia and her household saved
Issues – None mentioned
What can we learn – Small gatherings can yield big fruit; faithful witness meets open hearts.
11 – Acts 16:16–34
After casting out a spirit from a slave girl, Paul and Silas are imprisoned. Following an earthquake, the jailer asks how to be saved and believes.Context – Gentiles (Philippian jailer)
Results – The jailer and his household saved and baptized
Issues – Beating, imprisonment, public humiliation
What can we learn – Worship and witness in hardship touch hearts; God uses crisis to open spiritual eyes.
12 – Acts 17:1–9
In Thessalonica, Paul reasons from the Scriptures in the synagogue. Some believe, but others stir up a riot.Context – Jews and God-fearing Greeks
Results – Some Jews, many Greeks, and leading women believed
Issues – Riots, hostility, forced departure
What can we learn – Preaching truth can split a crowd; not all rejection is failure.
13 – Acts 17:10–15
In Berea, Paul preaches and the people examine the Scriptures daily. Many believe.Context – Jews
Results – Many Jews and Greeks believed
Issues – Opposition came from Thessalonica, forcing Paul to leave
What can we learn – A noble heart searches the Word; truth withstands scrutiny.
14 – Acts 17:16–34
Paul addresses Greek philosophers on Mars Hill, using their “unknown god” altar to proclaim the true God and the resurrection.Context – Gentiles (philosophers, Athenians)
Results – Some mocked; some wanted to hear more; a few believed (e.g., Dionysius and Damaris)
Issues – Mockery, intellectual skepticism
What can we learn – Tailor the message to the audience’s worldview; not all will respond, but some will.
15 – Acts 18:1–11
In Corinth, Paul preaches to Jews and Gentiles. When opposed by Jews, he turns to the Gentiles, and many Corinthians believe.Context – Mix (Jews and Gentiles)
Results – Many Corinthians believed and were baptized
Issues – Jewish opposition; legal pressure
What can we learn – Don’t force open closed doors; focus on the receptive.
16 – Acts 19:1–10
Paul finds disciples in Ephesus who knew only John’s baptism. He teaches them fully, and they are baptized in Jesus’ name.Context – Jews
Results – About 12 men filled with the Holy Spirit
Issues – None initially; later opposition from idol makers
What can we learn – Many need further clarity in faith; patient teaching bears fruit.
17 – Acts 19:23–41
Paul’s success in Ephesus threatens idol sales, leading to a riot stirred by silversmiths.Context – Gentiles
Results – Gospel influence spreads; many abandon idols
Issues – Riot, economic backlash, public tension
What can we learn – The gospel disrupts culture and economy; boldness and wisdom are needed.
18 – Acts 20:7–12
Paul preaches in Troas. A young man, Eutychus, falls from a window and dies, but Paul raises him to life, encouraging all present.Context – Believers
Results – Encouragement and increased faith
Issues – A near-tragic incident
What can we learn – God uses even accidents for His glory; miracles affirm the message.
19 – Acts 26:1–32
Paul testifies before King Agrippa, recounting his conversion and mission. He appeals to Agrippa’s knowledge of prophecy.Context – Mix (Jews and Gentiles)
Results – No conversion recorded; Agrippa is “almost persuaded”
Issues – Mockery (Festus called him mad)
What can we learn – Share your testimony faithfully; even if others don’t respond, you’ve planted seeds.
20 – Acts 28:30–31
Paul, under house arrest in Rome, preaches the kingdom of God with boldness and without hindrance to all who visit.Context – Gentiles and Jews
Results – Ongoing teaching and bold witness
Issues – Imprisonment
What can we learn – Limitations don’t silence the gospel; God’s word is never bound.
