The Untouchables
John 4:9 The woman answered, "I am surprised that you ask me for a drink! You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman!"
Who is it in your life that you detest? That may sound a bit harsh, but come on, there’s always someone. So who is it in your life?
We all have people or groups of people in our lives whom we really don’t want to be around. Maybe it’s a particular ethnic group in your neck of the woods that stirs up a lot of trouble, or does things and believes things that you don’t agree with. Or perhaps it’s someone who just rubs you the wrong way or they’ve hurt you.
Back in the first century, for the Jews, it was the Samaritans. Man, they detested these half-breed imposters, these Samaritans, who thought they were God’s chosen people too.
The woman answered, “I am surprised that you ask me for a drink! You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman!” (Jews have nothing to do with Samaritans.) (John 4:9)
So Jesus has been on a long journey. He’s tired, He’s thirsty and He finds Himself at a well. A Samarian woman – an outcast, an untouchable as far as the Jews were concerned – comes to draw water and He starts chatting with her. She’s shocked – as well she should be. A Jewish man talking to a Samarian woman in a civil tone, well, that just didn’t happen. He ends up, if you read the rest of the story there in chapter four of John’s Gospel, drawing her closer to God than she’d ever imagined possible.
Then there was the Roman Centurion whose servant Jesus healed. Jews hated the Romans, especially those in the military.
It’s amazing how you and I can toddle off to church each Sunday and sing songs, listen to sermons … and yet detest other people during the week, isn’t it?
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond
Višnja NESBIT
Spot on Berni … thank you … every day that I hear your message, is a better day for it. GBU!
Spot on Berni … thank you … every day that I hear your message, is a better day for it. GBU!