PODCAST
Words of Hope
April 20th, 2023
John 4:1-9
Our family group was headed into a large museum late one afternoon. We spotted a hot dog cart. Since we would be inside for several hours we decided to fortify ourselves with a snack. My brother-in-law stepped up to order hot dogs and drinks for us. He is African American, the rest of us are white. The woman tending the cart was also African American. When my brother-in-law tried to place the order the woman turned her back to us and became suddenly deaf. After several tries my brother-in-law said in discouragement, “Come on, let’s go.”
In contrast, Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar went very differently. Jews and Samaritans generally avoided each other. Both regarded themselves as the true followers of Moses’ law. In addition, since Jesus was a Jewish man and a rabbi He would not be expected to interact with a foreign woman, particularly one with a notorious reputation. Jesus shocked her when He spoke. Jesus did not stand mute or turn His back when the woman appeared. His words were words of hope, grace, and reconciliation.
Author: Duane Brush
