Which side of the cross are you on?

April was a month of reflection- both naturally and spiritually.

I suppose that’s how I got here. I was studying while on a flight to Arizona and while reading my notes, some of the words jumped off the page at me, prompting me to ask myself the question: “Which side of the cross are you on?“

I was so captivated by this question that I began studying it in accordance with the woman at the well in John 4. I shared some of the revelations I received at A Day at The Well earlier this month. Then, I shared it again, and in more detail, at my Mommy’s church for Youth and Young Adult Sunday. And because I still can’t shake it, I’m sharing it again here. So, open your Bibles…

“How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.” —John 4:9 (NKJV)

1. The Side of the Cross We’re On Determines How We See Jesus

When the Samaritan woman first saw Jesus, she was surprised that He would even speak to her. She saw Him through the lens of her past, her shame, and her cultural identity. She had likely been rejected and ridiculed by her community. So she expected the same from Jesus.

This is what the ministry of the old covenant produced—condemnation. It emphasized separation, judgment, and unworthiness. But Jesus came to reveal a new covenant, a new way: reconciliation. Jesus didn’t treat her as damaged goods. Instead, He treated her as someone worth speaking to, worth offering living water to.

“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” —John 4:10

2. The Side of the Cross We’re On Determines How We Understand Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus drew the woman in by speaking to her as if she already understood spiritual truths. That approach didn’t confuse her—it intrigued her. He invited her to ask for more, to desire more, and to engage in a deeper conversation.

Some people think God is most glorified when we’re spectators only. But Jesus didn’t lose any glory by asking the woman for a drink. In fact, He was glorified in that moment through His love, humility, and invitation. He honors us by allowing us to participate in what He’s doing—even when we don’t fully understand it yet. Why? Because the ministry of reconciliation doesn’t wait until we’ve got it all figured out. It meets us mid-conversation, in our questions, in our seeking.

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all that I ever did.’” —John 4:39

3. The Side of the Cross We’re On Determines How We Minister Jesus to Others

The woman came to the well carrying a questionable reputation. But she left carrying a message that changed her entire community. Her transformation didn’t happen because she had all the right theology or perfect behavior. It happened because she encountered Jesus.

That’s the power of being on the side of the cross marked by grace. When we realize we’ve been reconciled to God—not condemned—we can’t help but share the good news. And our stories, just like hers, can lead others to believe.

If this message stirred something in you—if you’re longing for living water, a fresh encounter with Jesus, and connection with other women walking the same journey—then I’d love for you to join us at The Well, my annual summer retreat for women.

This is more than an event; it’s a sacred space for rest, renewal, and real connection. We gather, just like the woman at the well, to meet Jesus in the middle of our everyday lives—and leave changed.

Details:

Come thirsty. Leave full.

Let’s meet at The Well—and draw from the living water together.

Change, Encouragement, Growth, Ministry, Miracles, Purpose, Self-Care, Spiritual Health, Trusting GodKolanda DouglasComment