Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me ...
	John 4:9
Why isn’t Jesus a Gentleman here? Why doesn’t He say, ‘Let Me draw water for you?’ It seems that would be the right thing to do. In actuality, however, Jesus is demonstrating a very important principle. ‘Give to Me,’ He says to the woman — not because He wants the water, but because He wants her heart. He wants to see her saved. You see, oftentimes, we as believers err on this point. We think, ‘What can I do for other people to find a way of entry into witnessing or sharing?’ While there certainly is a place for that, often letting people do something for you — humbling yourself and allowing them to make an investment in or give assistance to you — is the most effective way to reach them. Jesus knew that wherever a person’s treasure is, his heart would be there as well (Matthew 6:21). If someone shares with you something of his ‘treasure’, something of his heart will be sure to follow — affording you the opportunity of touching his heart with the Gospel. It’s hard because we want to be helpers, not help-ees. We want to be the givers because it’s truly more blessed to give than to receive. But, as Jesus shows us, sometimes it’s imperative to receive in order that another might come into the Kingdom. The classic Biblical example of this principle is found in Numbers 10. As Moses prepares to lead the people of Israel on their journey towards the Promised Land, he invites his Gentile brother-in-law to join them. ‘Hobab, come with us. It’s a good land to which we are going, and good things will happen to you if you travel in our company.’ ‘Sorry,’ said Hobab. ‘I’m going back to my own people.’ It was then that Moses changed his tactic. ‘Hobab,’ he said, ‘we need you. You understand the wilderness. You can be our eyes. Would you help us?’ Hobab agreed, and ended up in the Promised Land with the people of Israel (Judges 4:11). How important it is that we don’t come across simply as those who say, ‘We’re going to Heaven. We’re great. Join us.’ Rather, sometimes we need to say, ‘We need you. The talents you have, the abilities you’ve been given would be such an asset to us.’ So it is, that, although in Chapter 3, Jesus said to Nicodemus, ‘You must be born again,’ here in an entirely different situation, He says, ‘Woman, give me to drink.’ And both would be saved.