“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

John 4:4-42

Our scripture text for today is the story of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at a well. Samaritans and Jews were enemies, so it’s surprising that a Jewish man would speak to a Samaritan woman. But Jesus was always surprising people in the way he would go about his life in a counter-cultural manner. Women were seen as “less than” men, but not with Jesus. He had many followers who were women and valued all people as children of God, regardless of gender, race, etc.

The Samaritan woman went to draw water from the well at noon. This was likely an ordinary routine for her, and her ordinary day was about to be turned upside down when she met Jesus. Long story short – by the end of their conversation at the well Jesus had revealed to her that he was the Messiah (the Christ). During the conversation Jesus indicated that he knew all about her – including her past. In fact, as the story concludes the Samaritan woman goes back to her village (leaving her water jar behind at the well) and shares the exciting news with her community. She said to them, “He told me everything I ever did.”

One gets the feeling that she believed him to be the Messiah, not so much because he said he was the Messiah, but because he not only knew her past completely but loved her completely as well. It’s as if her past, present, and future were all wrapped together in that one moment at the well. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, had encountered her with grace, love, and “living water”.

The story concludes with the woman leaving her water jar at the well and returning home to share the great news with her community. She said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” What a great example of witnessing! She simply shared her story and invited the others to come and see for themselves. I pray you have a great week and invite others to “come and see” the risen Christ who is among us.

Prayer:

Loving God, what a comfort it is to be reminded that you know us inside and out, including all our experiences that have brought us to this point in life. Help us to see our past through the lens of your resurrection and love for us. Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

Jesus loves all people and expects us to do the same. The disciples were surprised he was talking with a Samaritan. The Samaritans were considered “the other.” There are no “others” if we are followers of Christ. Who do we consider “the other” in our lives and how might we be in relationship with them as Christ expects of us?

When you think of your past, what images come to mind? How was God present in those moments and beyond?

The woman leaves her water jar behind to tell the village about meeting Christ. What is the significance of her leaving the jar?

printer version