Friday, March 5: John 4-

Most of the chapter recalls Jesus’ conversation with a Samaritan woman. Since the disciples are not present, only Jesus or the woman could be the source of this story.

John tells us in Chapter 1 that Jesus came bearing grace and truth (1:17); is that ever modeled in Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman.

Grace- first of all, Jesus speaks with someone whom culture says is a ‘no no.’ For Jesus, every person had value, every person has worth. As it turns out, and Jesus obviously knew this, the woman has quite a sexual history. The story doesn’t elaborate as to why, but the woman has had 5 husbands  plus she is presently living with someone not her husband. Without announcing the details, the suggestion is that she is a bit ‘loose.’ Rather than looking down on her or avoiding her, Jesus initiates a conversation with her. GRACE… how often do I (we) avoid someone because of their lifestyle, status in life, or race?

And if Jesus is the source of the account, He is gentle, revealing only enough of her story to paint the picture but not belittle her. More GRACE…

But then there is TRUTH. When appropriate and apparently in a manner that was not condescending, Jesus looked her in the eye and spoke truth about her life. He spoke truth about what she believed compared with what Jesus believed and what true worshippers would believe. This is TRUTH.

Two more days Jesus spent with Samaritans… filled most likely with both grace and truth.

Jesus’ actions expose my lack …

Lord Jesus, show me how to live in the tension of both realities like You did. Show me how to live gracefully with all people and especially those who are different from me. Give me honesty, boldness and love upon love so that when the moment calls for it, I may speak truth too.

Jesus help me to live like and for You… In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit I pray. Amen.

 

Keeping track… more believe

John continues to pound his purpose… that people might believe in Jesus. Two events dominate this chapter;  Jesus with the Samaritan woman and the healing of the royal official’s son in Cana. Both result in belief in Jesus. With the Samaritan woman, many in her town believe that Jesus is savior of the world (42). And when the royal official realizes that Jesus healed his son, he and all his household believed (53).

 

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