Our scripture this week is John 4:5-42.
So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 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. ) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
John 4:5-10
This story begins as many do with Jesus and His disciples arriving at a place after a long dusty journey. The disciples scurry off to take care of the logistical needs, but Jesus takes the opportunity to speak to a woman at the well. How often does this sound like us, ensuring the coffee is made and donuts are out on Sunday morning but failing to invite our community to join us in worship?
Jesus has several lessons to teach us in this passage. First, He was never too tired to reach out to others. Next, even though this woman is a member of a group that Jews do not associate with, He continues the conversation with her. He may in fact want her to draw Him a drink of water (remember He was as human as we are) but He wants to share the message of God’s love with her.
Jesus teaches that we should be ready to share the Good News regardless of our energy level or to whom we are speaking. Our brothers and sisters need to hear Christ’s message and we are the ones chosen to bring it to them. Let the light of Jesus shine through you in every situation.
Loving Lord, we are weak and easily distracted from our duty to You. Help us to remain focused on our duty to share the Gospel no matter what our situation. Amen.