In comparison to the rich, educated Nicodemus in yesterday’s chapter, today we meet a Samaritan woman who was poor and an outcast, even to her own people. But what was it that made the Samaritans so despised? This hatred between the Jews and Samaritans had been going on for centuries. You can read the story of Israel being exiled to Assyria in 2 Kings:17. The Samaritans intermarried and so were classed as unclean by the Jews. The Samaritans believed that the Jews had corrupted the Torah. The Jews believed that God had chosen the descendants of David to be the leaders of their people, while the Samaritans thought that they were called to be the leaders with their priests leading them. They had so many religious differences and this caused hostilities between the people. By talking to a Samaritan woman Jesus was breaking both racial and religious barriers. Speaking to a woman alone was enough to cause conflict. Jesus knew all about her history, how she had sinned, and yet he talked to her anyway. He does the same for us every day. Jesus is showing that he is here for everyone, the rich, the poor, the sick and the hungry. He is demonstrating that God wants to unite his people. In his kingdom there will be no division, no ethnic or gender divide. By finding the hope and healing that Jesus gave her, her life is changed forever.

No matter what our status is on the earth, by accepting the living water of Christ we will join him in eternity. If we are feeling unworthy or alone then we need not despair as Jesus will come to us wherever we are when we ask. He will also receive whatever little we can give him back if it is freely given. Material things on earth will always leave us wanting more but Jesus will fulfil our needs for ever.

***

Action:

Read in The Old Testament where it speaks about thirsting after God in Psalm 42:1, Isaiah 55:1, Jeremiah 2:13 and Zechariah 13:1

Prayer:

Loving Lord Jesus – I thank you that your word can fill me with the living water so that I can then go out and tell others - Amen.