“The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) – John 4:9
Jesus and his disciples were traveling through the region of Samaria, a place that most Jews would never venture to because of their disdain for the Samaritans. Jesus, not wanting to exclude anyone from His message of good news, traveled the direct route through the region and sat down to rest at the well. This well had been purchased by Jacob and given to his son Joseph long ago.
At this well, Jesus encounters a woman whose name we never learn. They entered a deep discussion that begins with Jesus asking for a drink and ends with Jesus telling the woman that he is the Messiah, the long-awaited Christ. It was a powerful conversation that brought life and hope to the woman at the well. It helped to build a bridge between Jews and Samaritans, and it helped to show that all people are acceptable because of the grace of God found in Christ Jesus.
The disciples witnessed this conversation. The scriptures record that they were “surprised to find him talking with a woman.” The woman leaves, and after she does, the disciples give little thought to her or the conversation she had with Jesus. In fact, she seemed to be of little consequence to the disciples. They missed the point. Jesus was living the example of loving one’s neighbor. It was right in front of their eyes.
After her encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman left and went back to her city and said to everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done!” The people listened, and many went to look for Jesus. She becomes a powerful witness for Jesus. Because of her, several people in her community come to faith in Jesus.
This story is an amazing example of what is important in our interactions with all people. God is at work in and through His creation. All of God’s children are called to share God’s hope and love with their neighbors. Jesus shared the grace and love of the kingdom with this woman. She took the gift God offered her and shared it with others.
God creates all people to do good. God can and will work through us to bring love and hope to the world. Like the Samaritan woman at the well, we have been offered the gift of God’s love. Let us be thankful and look for ways to offer that gift to our neighbors.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
