Samaritans & Jews & You & Me

John 4:1-26

This story that John tells, a slice of a day in the life in Jesus' ministry, is commonly referred to as "The Woman at the Well."  Many of us know this story:  Jesus is heading to Galilee from Judea, and he goes through Samaria, which is a nation scorned and despised by the Jews, who consider themselves much more pious and righteous: after all, they are God's chosen people, and these Samaritans are castoffs. 

On his journey, he encounters a Samaritan woman who has been shunned by her neighbors - in fact, she goes to the well to draw water at noon rather than face the scorn of her peers, who come early in the morning before the noonday heat.

The Samaritan woman has an encounter with Jesus that changes her life forever.  And in turn, she shares the Good News with her neighbors.  Jesus stays in this Samaritan town for two more days, and countless Samaritans come to believe in Christ and his message.

So this Samaritan woman, part of the despised Samaritan sect, is one of the first non-Jews that God uses to advance his kingdom.  Not exactly what we would call strategic thinking, would we?  Why would you use the lower end of society, and the lowest of that low end, to advance your mission?  Surely a more respected person would be a better choice?  This woman was the dregs of her society.  Married five times, cast off by five men, and now living in sin with another.  How low can you go?  She is not the ideal 'spokesperson' for your 'brand,' in today's marketing speak.

And yet, God surprises us again, doesn't he?

• Moses said he wasn't a good choice to lead the people to the Promised Land.....God used him anyway (see Exodus)

• Mary was a young teenager, engaged but not married, when the angel of the Lord told her she would be the mother of the son of God - that would not be my first choice.....

• Rahab was a prostitute who engineered the daring escape for Joshua out of Jericho (Joshua 2).  A prostitute?  That makes about as much sense as using a disgraced Samaritan woman, doesn't it?

Three examples of countless times in scripture that God uses the unexpected, the outcast, the losers, to bring glory to Him.  Can he use me?  Can he use you?  What is standing in His way?   

Lord, you love those we sometimes fail to see - the down and out, the unlovely.  And you long to use me in your kingdom.  Help me to see those invisible, downtrodden people I might rush past, and to share your Good News joyfully, no matter what the status or bank account is.  Amen.  

Comfort Food and Living Water

I love fall. That is one of the things I miss most about living in Florida.  We don’t get seasons here and I miss fall the most. In the Midwest, fall has a special smell.  The leaves as they change colors look amazing and the crisp fall air is refreshing to breath in.

I also like foods that come back in season.  Chili, pumpkin pie, pot roast and so many other foods that have been categorized as “comfort foods”.  I would call fall as my “comfort season”.

We are always looking for things that give us comfort or satisfaction.  Whether it’s the people who surround us, the house we live in, or the job we have we long for satisfaction. 

In today’s scripture, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman gathering water from the well.  Jesus knows immediately that this woman has been seeking satisfaction with men.  He offers her living water, ultimately though he is offering her himself.  He is saying that if she looked to him for satisfaction she would not have to look any place else.

Jesus message is the same today. We try to find satisfaction in so many things when Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy.  I am not talking about salvation. Christians can be totally dissatisfied if they accept Christ as their Savior and then distrust him for everything else in life.

Christ came that we might have life and have it to the full, but if we don’t turn to him for our satisfaction we lose out.  So drink in the living water daily.  Consume scriptures teaching of Jesus and talk to him whenever you feel the need to be satisfied. He will not disappoint.

Read today's passage here John 4:4-26

What about the Innkeeper?

Luke 10:25 (NIV)
²⁵  On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Answer: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself."

It seems we ask this question hoping the answer will change or will be easier to accomplish. Scripture tells us Love God, then, Love mankind; in that order.  For that is the only order that works.

The story of the Good Samaritan is a familiar tale of the unexpected behavior of three individuals. First a man is robbed and beaten and deserted on the road - left to die. Luckily a priest happens along, but this priest didn't have love in his heart. How else could you explain his crossing the road to avoid the injured man?

The second person, a Levite, did much the same and ignored the needs of the dying man. Interestingly, a Samaratan man, who was frowned upon by Priests and Levites, jumped into action. When he discovered the poor man he bandaged his wounds and took him to safety, setting him up at an inn where he could heal and rest.

Luke 10:35 (NIV)
³⁵  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 

New observation: The Samaritan wasn't the only good person in this story. What about the Innkeeper? He didn't have to agree to take care of this stranger.  He didn't have to believe the Samaritan would return and make good on his promise.  There must be more here than meets the eye. What do you think?  Feel free to comment in the space below.



Luke 10:25-37