Westside Church of Christ

She never saw this coming. The day began like a thousand others as she trudged out to take care of one more chore. She dragged baggage that included 5 failed marriages, and a jar. Water was what she went for, but this would be a day like no other. She found water okay, but it was a different kind. It would quench an internal thirst, but for the moment all she knew was that the well was there.

She was mystified at this Jewish man who approached her. She noticed that right away. People like that. Superficial differences are the first thing that we see, and they often divide us. They did then, too, but He knocked that barrier down with a simple request, “Give me a drink.” She wondered about Him as He opened a conversation that would change her life.

He was a specialist at bridging gaps that humans build. Jews and Samaritans like her did not mix. She knew that. Didn’t He? Of course he did, but He had a much bigger agenda. He approached her. That is what He did. He came seeking for the wayward to offer them what they really needed. He knew. She didn’t. If only she was aware of who He was and what He offered, the request for water would have been reversed. His offer of living water puzzled her. He didn’t have a bucket, not even a cup.

His identity was a mystery to her. It still is to most people, and what He offers is beyond their understanding. Oh, they have heard of this one called Jesus, but they know little beyond that. He would gradually open her eyes to the most important realization she could have. Yes, He was a Jew, but much more. A prophet? How could He know of her multiple marriages, and even of the man in her life now unless He was? Yes, He must be a prophet.

She switched to questions of worship. Where? Here or there? Your people say one thing, and mine another. He explains that the time is coming where location would be irrelevant. She was worshipping a stranger. It was different with the Jews. They knew. Salvation had come from them. Spirit and truth are what God seeks. Worship is meaningless without them. That did it. She mentioned the Messiah, and Jesus completed the puzzle. “I am, He who is speaking to you.” She ran home with a “come and see” message.

The disciples showed up, surprised that He was talking with a woman which was one more social hurdle He obliterated. It was His way. His love embraced everyone, and it still does. He reaches across every chasm that has been carved in the world to span the most important one. He came to take the sin away that separated us from God. If people only knew…

Call to Praise: Acts 11:19-26

His word on it: Acts 11:26

Sermon: “A New Word”