The Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-30)

Today's scripture: John 4:1-30

The Samaritan woman. This is a very familiar story to most of us, so much so that we sometimes skim through it, thinking we've heard it all. Perhaps we're doing it a disservice, though. Perhaps we should take a few moments and read it carefully.

Before you read on, I encourage you to read it again (in fact, read it in a couple of different versions, just to get a new bead on the story).

Now, picture the scene. Imagine yourself to be this woman. You are a Samaritan, a half-breed, shunned by the Jewish people. Yet, here's this Jew, who not only does not shun you, but actually engages you in conversation.

How would you feel? Just to be acknowledged?

Then think about the details. You're drawing water in the heat of the day. Why? Most of the women have either drawn water in the cool of the morning or will come back when the sun begins to set. Why are you there now?

Because you feel shame. You've been divorced five times and are now living with a sixth man. The only reason you've been divorced so many times is because five men have rejected you. Only men could request a decree of divorce.

How does that make you feel? Unworthy. In fact, worthless. The women of the village call you horrid names. The men treat you as a joke.

Yet, here you are, drawing water and this Jew begins to ask you questions. In fact, the conversation itself feels surreal. He offers a living water. At first, you think this means you'll never have to walk to the well again. You'll never have to feel the eyes of ridicule or hear the whispers of scorn.

But then this Man, this Jew, throws a curve, asking to meet your husband. You could lie, but for some reason, you don't want to. Not to this Man. So you hedge. "I'm not married," you say. And He calls you on it. He knows not only that you've been married five times, but that you're not married to your current lover. He knows you.

You had already sensed that He was not a normal Man. And then He reveals Himself to be the Messiah.

And you know He's telling the truth.

You have met the Messiah, the Savior.

Imagine.