Sunday 12 Mar 2023

March 12: John 4:27

Key Verse: John 4:27
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’

Devotion:
This verse comes from the passage where Jesus had just been speaking with the Samaritan woman; something to be frowned upon in those days, not just because He dared to speak openly to a strange woman, but on top of that it was a Samaritan woman and not an Israelite! Boy wouldn’t the feminists and anti-racists have a field day with this one!

Jesus was doing what any human should be doing, not excluding others just because they are different. He was doing what God wanted Him to do; to invite people to get to know Him more and to form a relationship between the person and God! I do love pointing this story out when people get upset about someone who is different coming into their group!

Jesus was very different, and yet He chose to come and live amongst sinful mankind! He dared to befriend anyone who was seeking the truth and anyone who wanted to get to know God in their hearts. This is what He meant when He said we should love our neighbours – not build big walls to exclude them or make laws to prevent them crossing an ocean!

Yes there has to be laws and people need to follow them, but many of our laws are making rifts between us instead of bringing us together. Many laws exclude people just because they are different. Why can’t we take a leaf out of Jesus’ book and show mercy and love to anyone who is seeking companionship and communion!

Points to Ponder:
Who do you inadvertently exclude?

Will you try to be more inclusive like Christ?