JESUS ACCEPTS ALL OF US
Denise Linton
Today's Scripture: “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
Theme: God uses the outcast for His glory.
THE OUTCAST
The story about the Woman at the Well in John, Chapter 4, is commonly told, but the significance of her encounter with Jesus may not be apparent because of our familiarity with the story and our own cultural context. Though she is never named, her encounter with Jesus is the one of the longest dialogues between the Messiah and any other individual. She represented the lowest of the low, a female in a society where women are both demeaned and disregarded; a Samaritan, a race who were despised by Jews; and worse, she is living in shame, a social outcast. This is a real story of a hidden figure who made a powerful eternal impact on others in her community by getting to know Jesus.
To understand the significance of this meeting, it is important to consider the cultural and historical traditions of the times. Most women in the community would come to the well in the early hours of the morning. It was a time to gather, socialize, talk about their families and their lives, along with getting the water needed for the day. Instead of joining the other women in the cooler hours, this woman came to the well by herself in the heat of the day. She probably believed that she would not be accepted by the other women or may have felt ashamed or embarrassed. She had been married five times and now was living with a man and yet unmarried. What could she offer to the community?
THE ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS
Jesus didn’t come during the morning hours when there would be many women that He could talk to or teach. He came to the one who was on the outside. She had value. Others either did not notice or care that she was isolating herself – or they had imposed this upon her. But Jesus intentionally spoke to her. It was because of this woman and her conversation with Jesus that many people were willing to believe and listen to what Jesus had to say about Himself. Would the group at the well have been willing to listen to Jesus if He had come to them first?
This story shows Jesus’ love for the world. Even though this woman was of such low standing, Jesus talked to her as an equal. He has a heart for all people, not just some people. Jesus accepts all who believe in Him into the Kingdom of God. Those who are hidden or considered outcasts can even have an impact. The story of the Woman at the Well is an example of love, truth, redemption, and acceptance. Jesus not only accepts her, but He accepts us, too. He wants us, too, in His Holy Kingdom if we believe in Him.
Make It Personal: How is this story relatable to you? Maybe you have felt like an outcast without much to offer. We all have a past or current situation that may have kept us isolated from others. God wants to use you for His glory. Maybe you have been focused on your own life and have not noticed the “outcast” around you.
Pray: Father, thank You for loving me right where I am and reminding me that You can use me as a disciple to bring glory to Your Name. Father, all people need to hear about the Good News of Your grace and the sacrifice of Your Son for our eternal life with You. If there is anyone that I have overlooked, please help me to see beyond what is going on in my life and to take an interest in theirs. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: John 4:1-42
Weekly Memory Verse: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV)