Jesus always asked the most penetrating and unsettling questions! He wasn’t much on small talk!
The woman at the well wanted to chatter about popular theories and theological hairsplitting. Instead, Jesus focused their discussion on her need. Jesus had no intention of leaving that encounter merely having discussed the weather and weekend sports scores! He wanted to help another person be set free. So He asked a question that opened her life up to a meaningful discussion.
This woman had based her life’s hope in finding the right husband. She’d had five already. So Jesus steered their conversation to her idol. Once He had exposed her false god, He could then lead her to the true God.
It is amazing how the right question can transform a conversation. With that question, Jesus took command of the discussion and began the process of bringing the hurting woman to salvation.
Of course, if we are always talking about ourselves, and our interests, we can’t be opening people up to the Gospel. That comes through demonstrating an interest in others and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us as we engage people in conversations that matter.