Jesus’ “one-on-one encounters” with people provide some of the best illustrations we have of “who” Jesus was…and how he affected people.
It is John’s gospel that gives us much of this added insight.
Often times these relationships are “unusual.” Like Nicodemus’ late night call – from last weekend.
This one – occurred one day around noon, while Jesus and the twelve were traveling through Samaria.
It was only after the reign of Old King Solomon that the nation divided between North and South, Israel and Judah. Israel or the Northern Kingdom lasted almost exactly 200 years. It was defeated by the Assyrians in year 722 BCE.
In order to decrease the possibility of “future rebellions,” the Assyrians moved some people out of the area and others – into the area. About 30,000 native Israelites were exported.
Into the area were imported people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvain. And eventually from Rome.
The mixed populations inter-mingled, inter-mixed and inter-married. The region became known as Samaria. From that point on Samarians and the people of Judah had little or nothing to do with one another.
The Judeans considered the Samarians to be mongrels and half-breeds. It was an “us” against “them” kind of spiteful relationship.
The prejudice that developed was both religious and racial. The hatred and hostility was real…and deeply rooted.
Remember, no “good” Jew would dare step foot in Samaria. No “good Jew” would even acknowledge a Samaritan. Men would never address women in public, much less a rabbi. The time to get water for the day was either at dawn or at dusk. Drawing water was a social event. It was a time that the village women usually looked forward to…
This woman is all alone under the noon day heat and direct sun – again unusual.
And, it is an interesting dialogue to say the least!
What I like about this story is how it highlights Jesus’ interpersonal skills.
The story that is told is not about the woman’s sexual life, nor is it about her marital history.
Jesus shows no prejudice whatsoever.
He showed no prejudice with Nicodemus and now no prejudice with the woman at the well.
For Jesus there are no man/woman barriers.
Even though her sin was completely exposed – Jesus shows no prejudice against her.
While Jesus does not condone sinful actions, he does not ever seem to resort “to the use of guilt or shame.” That would be us!
The people that Jesus met with and spoke to — were not limited to any specific race, religion or economic level.
Jesus spoke with them all…he was always all inclusive.
Obviously, Jesus did not see this woman as being an outcast, a half-breed or as a heretic. Nor was she someone to be shunned and avoided like the plague.
He continued to invite skeptics, Samaritans, Pharisees, and other sinners of all kinds to believe in him. Some would take him up on his offer and others would simply walk away.
Caught off guard (like Nicodemus before her) the woman didn’t comprehend what Jesus was trying to tell her…in the beginning.
It was only later that she realized that this was “something special,” going on… and Jesus himself – was “something special.”
It was kind of like a conversation around the water cooler in the office or at the “local watering hole” … you can never be certain where the conversation will go.
What starts out as an ordinary – (albeit unusual conversation) ends up with a Samaritan woman believing that Jesus must be a prophet or something. And in her boldness she even asks him – outright- if he is the Messiah or not.
Then this woman goes and invites all her fellow townspeople to come and meet Jesus…and they eventually end up professing him as “Savior of the world.”
All this from a simple conversation under the noonday sun!
She really truly was an evangelist – bringing others to Jesus…but because of racial pride and prejudice…this woman is not heralded as such.
After all – she was a Samaritan!
Prejudice and hatred toward “others” continues to raise its ugly head….