*An audio version of today's devotional is available on Leading The Way's MY Devotional podcast.

Read John 4:1-42.

There are some in the church who say we should no longer talk about specific sins because we might offend someone. Now, I’m not suggesting we should go out of our way to offend other people, but the Bible is very clear: In order for there to be forgiveness and salvation, there must be repentance. Therefore, we must not be shy about the Truth. If we make excuses for sin—if we tiptoe around the difficult, hot-button issues of our day—we are not doing anyone any favors. We are, in fact, keeping the way of Christ hidden from people who are lost in spiritual darkness.

Jesus knew this. So, one day at a well outside a Samaritan village, He made things uncomfortable. That day, a woman came to the well alone. Ordinarily a Jewish rabbi like Jesus would have left the moment she came into view. Jewish men did not talk to unfamiliar women in public, and certainly not Samaritan women! Such an incident, if it had come to light, would have been scandalous. But Jesus loved the Samaritan woman too much to simply walk away.

As their conversation began, He brought up the one subject He knew she wouldn’t want to talk about. Jesus was leading her into repentance, but not by scolding or shaming her. He knew she’d already had plenty of that in her life. Rather, He reached out to her, exposing her deep spiritual need.

With the Truth of her sin exposed, this woman went from being a pariah in her village to a herald for the King of kings. She ran back into town and proclaimed, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” (John 4:29).

Brothers and sisters, all around you there are people you may have given up on, people you are not paying attention to, people you may think are beyond salvation. But many of these people are thirsting for the living water of Christ. Their hearts long to worship the true King. They are desperate for inner healing, salvation, and the forgiveness that only our Lord can give them.

Do not get up from your seat by the well and walk away. Stay and talk. And do not be afraid when the conversation turns to difficult subjects. Be kind. Be respectful. Be loving. But don’t shy away from the reality of our sin and our need for a Savior.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for shying away from opportunities to share Your Truth in love and lead people to salvation—even if it’s just one more step toward You. Empower me by Your Spirit to winsomely share the hope of the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?’” (John 4:28-29).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Look Who Moved Out, Part 3: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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