I enjoy reading the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. In fact, I wrote a chapter about their encounter in my book, Walking in Freedom! I love how Jesus made it His mission to meet the Samaritan woman right where she was, in her neighborhood and her environment. Even though it wasn’t the norm and was something the Jews frowned upon, Jesus went to a Samaritan village and waited for woman to arrive at the well.
Look at Jesus’ approach. He could have avoided that entire region. He could have said to Himself, that’s not my problem. They’re a lost cause. Or He could have went to her home to expose and embarrass her. He could have told her how wrong she was living and how her life was a sinful mess. He could have condemned her in front of His disciples and her community, while pointing a finger at her. Jesus was a Jewish Rabbi, a teacher, and He is the Christ. He has the authority to judge righteously whomever He chooses. It would have been RIGHT of Him to punish her, and sentence her to death. But Jesus didn’t. Instead, Jesus was the perfect gentleman.
He sent His disciples away to buy food (Jn. 4:8) so He could have a private conversation with the woman. Jesus went out of His way to go to Samaria, in the heat of the day (noontime). He was exhausted, hot, and thirsty from His the journey. Yet, He waited patiently for the perfect timing, the appointed time, to reach out to the Samaritan woman. His approach would change her life.
Jesus could have done what the Jews had been doing for centuries, avoiding the Samaritans (Jn. 4:9). But Jesus was and is intentional. He does everything on purpose and the very opposite of how we do things. His ways don’t make any sense to us, at times (Is. 55:8-9). He purposely went to Samaria specifically for this woman and the Samaritans. He goes to this city to reveal to them that He is the true Savior of ALL people, not just to the Jews or one race. Jesus is the Messiah and Savior of the world!
What attracts me most to my Savior, what draws me in to Him – deeper and deeper – is His concern and compassion for the least likeliest person. The ones who have been forgotten, Jesus cares about them. The ones who’ve been mistreated and victimized, Jesus sees and rescues. And He does it all for the sake of love.
He makes time for the ones who have gone unnoticed and unloved. He opens His arms to the hurting and the outcast. Jesus loves hanging around the not so perfect people, those who don’t have it altogether…you know… people like you and me.– Walking in Freedom! A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women
Here’s what I want us to focus on today and this week:
Jesus sees you. He is concerned about you. He loves you. Like the Samaritan story, Jesus breaks barriers and traditions, to get to you. He sits patiently waiting for you. Like the demon-possessed man living in the tombs (Mk. 5:1-20), Jesus meets you right where you are. His approach is not overbearing and intimidating. On the contrary, He approaches us delicately, in the Spirit of love and acceptance.
Let us keep this in mind as we walk this freedom journey. Let’s walk in freedom together, keeping our eyes on Jesus.
Your sis, Rhovonda
It’s Wednesday, Hump Day. Here’s a biblical principle to help us get over the hump.
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