16“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her.
17“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.
Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—18for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
It seems like such a short exchange, but it strikes me as so powerful. This woman is obviously searching and ready for a change in her life. Neither her, nor Jesus, pull any punches here. She doesn’t lie to Jesus and he doesn’t “sugar coat” her sin. It is all out front and honest.
When we are ready be that out front and honest with Jesus, our relationship will grow. When we are ready to give and take straight talk, or St. Paul calls it “real food”, then we will grow and mature. If you read on (passage below for reference), the woman doesn’t get upset or tell Jesus not to judge her or object or rationalize. She accepts the truth for what it it.
Lord, make me willing to bring you my true failings and my true sins. Open my eyes and ears to see and hear the truth from you, no matter how difficult it is. *obbs*
19“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet.20So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”