7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)  

Although there were differences between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, there were also things they shared in common. They needed water. They were at the same place for the same reason.   

When it comes to witnessing, a simple principle is to fish where the fish are, not where they aren’t. The biggest obstacle to sharing the faith with someone is that most Christians don’t really know any one very well who are unchurched and lost.  Jesus went to where the people were.  His activities included highways and valley and mountains and seashores and marketplaces as well as the temple and synagogues and by casually talking to a woman at the well.  He took the initiative to introduce the subject.

So where can we meet people? Some commons concerns can include various community groups, neighborhood get-togethers, inviting people over for meals, striking up conversations at school activities, sporting events and hobbies. Most people do not decide to follow Christ because of a sermon or a minister, but because of a friendship, an acquaintance or circumstance in their lives.  

I was taught as a youngster growing up in Detroit not to talk to strangers.  In the urban environment, sticking to yourself and your friends was safest. That is my comfort zone. I admire people who easily reach out to people in a friendly way in the marketplace. I admire that quality which Jesus had of striking up conversations with people and using common contacts for God’s glory.  Jesus didn’t wait for someone to talk to Him, He talked to them and showed His own interest by requesting a drink from her.  

Do you want to know one of the most important qualities of common connections? It is to always be a listener. A good listener asks factual questions and then moves to asking opinions or thoughts about subjects. That is also what Jesus did. He often started with the common connections of things people share together - fishing, farming, family, water, holidays. Shortly their opinions and feelings were revealed.     

“Tell It Often,” is a book written by Bethel Seminary professor Mark McCloskey. Interestingly, he reminds us that the relationship does not have to be serious or in depth to be friends and to open the door for God to work.  Jesus was not hours with the woman at the well; Phillip did not spend days with the Eunuch.  There may be someone whom God leads your way that you have nothing in common with except you both need gas, or he or you might have a broken-down car and need a lift. Parents struggling with their toddler going through his terrible twos (or terrible teens) together can strike up conversations.  

As important as long-term friendship is, do not neglect the common contacts with shared interests that lead to discussions of truth and eternal matters.  Asking questions on common things can lead to opinions and sharing on important eternal things.

Application:   Ask God to open a door for you in he market place to share Him with someone.

Prayer:  Father, help me to see those who do not know you as sheep without a shepherd in need of knowing You.   Then give me the right approach and words to share Your beautiful gospel with them.    Open the door, prepare their heart for the message.   

Dale