Page 14 - Livin Light Issue 81

Monday June 12 - Breaking down barriers Now he had to go through Samaria. John 4:4
At first glance, that Jesus travelled through this northern territory of Israel may seem just an incidental piece of information. But when one bears in mind the historical ‘bad blood’ between Jews and Samaritans (v 9) a whole new perspective opens to us, adding meaning to Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well. Religious compromise set in shortly after the death of King Solomon with the division of his kingdom, effectively making Samaritans outcasts, and no longer worthy of being part of ‘God’s chosen people’. As the woman says, ‘Jews have no dealings with Samaritans’ (4:9). However, Acts 8:4-25 records the progress of the gospel, as Samaritans embrace Christ, demonstrated by their receiving of the Holy Spirit at the hands of the Jerusalem apostles. Jews and Samaritans were now together, in one Christian faith.
John describes the foundation for unity between the two groups, here at the well, by showing that Jesus transcends the age-old divide. Jesus, a Jew, surprised the Samaritan woman by treating her with respect and dignity (vv 7-9). He did not distance himself from the detested Samaritans; he deliberately went to them. Sometimes it’s hard for us to accept help from others, especially from those we consider lowlier than ourselves. In this stunning example of humility and vulnerability, Jesus not only demonstrated his willingness to reveal his need, but also provided an opportunity for salvation to come into the whole community.
Lord Jesus, help me to humble myself to receive help from others, and so be open to building bridges, not walls. Amen.
Tuesday June 13 - The living water
“If you knew the gift of God... he would have given you living water.”
John 4:10
It makes complete sense to see the connection John makes between a desert well and the source of eternal life offered in Jesus. Both, in their own way, are life savers! It’s midday; Jesus and the Samaritan woman are alone at Jacob’s well. Earlier in the morning would have been the usual time people gathered to draw water. But that would have meant waiting her turn with the crowds – something, no doubt, this woman was keen to avoid, given her track record as an adulteress. She had no idea she would encounter Jesus and is plainly surprised, that he, a Jewish man, should speak to her. Her reputation, however, proves no obstacle to Jesus asking her for a drink. The woman communicates her astonishment, and Jesus’ reply invites her to consider his unique person and significance. He refers to himself as “the gift of God” and the one who will bestow “living water”. While she is completely ignorant of Jesus’ meaning, John has already identified Jesus as the Father’s love-gift to the world (3:16). And in several places in the Old Testament living water is associated with God himself (see Jeremiah 2:13 & 17:13), and symbolically as a cleansing agent of sin. To a sinner in need of forgiveness, there is no greater gift than Jesus himself, the fountain of living water. He is his offer to you!
Lord Jesus, I would come to you as one who is thirsty. Please draw me closer to yourself and satisfy me in your grace. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY