John 4:39-54. Jesus and a Samaritan Woman
REFLECTION
The villagers had first listened to the account of the woman who came to believe Jesus was the Messiah. From this account many had come to believe, and others wanted to hear more from Jesus himself. He spent two days with the Samaritans, and although we don’t know exactly what was said, he would have been sharing the good news of God’s kingdom? He spoke with authority and authenticity. He was totally believable. Word had spread and people were flocking to him. The royal official, desperate for his son’s life and came looking for this teacher and healer. When he met Jesus, he took him at his word and went back home. His faith in Jesus was vindicated as his son was indeed healed.
The people were amazed at Jesus because their experience was of false teachers, people who were clearly not authentic. Although they spoke with authority it was more authoritarian than genuine. We come across this in our own lives. Leaders who talk the talk but do not deliver. Their message is hollow and false and all for show. It isn’t only leaders though. People in all walks of life pretend to be something they are not. Exaggerating their positions and experiences. Some even get away with it because they are so good but for many they are soon found out. We are called to be authentic and without guile. True to who we are but also to what we stand for. Are our actions aligning with what we say?
Jesus though was the real deal, and the Samaritan woman couldn’t wait to tell others. Once again someone who has come to recognise Jesus as Saviour rushes to tell others. Many people believe that personal faith is just that, personal and are reluctant to share with others. It may be because they don’t feel equipped to do so. Surely that’s the domain of Evangelists, who are trained to do so? We have missions to hopefully spread the word. It is the responsibility of the professionals. “Not me. I don’t know what to say. I can’t quote chapter and verse from the bible. I’m too shy. What if they ask awkward questions I can’t answer?” All these I have heard from people over the years. Yet as we see from this reading you don’t need theological training to share your faith.
The Samaritan woman felt compelled to tell others because she wanted others to have the same knowledge of salvation. I once asked a congregation if they loved God. At first stunned silence. Then slowly they said “Yes.” I then asked them to share with the person next to them why they answered yes. What did it mean to them? Again, silence to begin with and then whoosh they were off. In fact, it took some doing getting them to stop.
We are not used to sharing our faith with other believers so it’s understandable that we find it difficult to share with non-believers or those on the edge. It is context I believe which is important. We can of course share our faith through our actions but it’s being prepared to share in words the Gospel message of God’s love.
QUESTIONS
- How did you first hear about Jesus?
- Do you love God? What does your faith mean to you?
- Do you love your neighbour enough to want them to experience the same?
- Have you rushed to tell others about Jesus? If so, what was your experience? Did people readily believe you or were they sceptical?
