When Jesus meets his match . . . Talk Amongst Yourselves

The Woman at the Well -- Samaritan, foreigner, WOMAN, of questionable reputation, alone, vulnerable and tired -- all of the above. When she met Jesus, she had just about had enough of life as usual for it was hard, and complicated. The scripture (St. John's Gospel, Chapter 4) tells us he was in HER territory. Their communities historically didn't like each other, based on hundreds of years of tribal animosities. It was mid-day, and she was about doing her work, women's work of carrying water to and from her home in large, heavy jars. The water well, known by both communities as a place of historical note, was still used to supply water for people and livestock. She was tired, and maybe mad -- at least not in a great mood -- and certainly didn't need some Galilean Jew harassing her. I can just imagine her, hand on hip, curt of tongue, used to the verbal insults of other men, first trying to ignore him, and then, ready for him. She wasn't about to take any grief from this outsider, and stranger -- this MAN.
And Jesus, it seems, was ready for her, seeing, sensing in her something others didn't -- her weariness, her strength, and most of all, her worth as a child of God.
And so, the Kingdom of God expanded a bit that day -- actually, a lot. Not only was their rather heated exchange a revelation for her, but through her an entire community of Samaritans, foreigners . . . . all of the above and more, came to know God a little better that day. God, that day, and in the three days to follow, walked in their midst, breathed in their air, and shared with them "living water."
This week, Rev. Mary Martin, pastor at FUMC Poetry and Intern Pastor at FUMC Sachse preaches all three services on this text. I can't wait to hear what this lovely woman preacher has to say about this lovely Samaritan woman, who became much more than a disciple of the Jew from Nazareth. She became an example for us all of how to meet Jesus when he meets us . . . in our own territory.
Come, hear, listen, and learn about "living water". a.