Are You People Driven?

 

By: Paula Short

“A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” John 4:7-9— NASB

In John 4:7, we see a beautiful example of Jesus' compassion and willingness to connect with all people, regardless of their status or background. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus, who was tired and thirsty, asked her for a drink. This may seem like a simple exchange, but it was actually a radical act of love and acceptance. 

The woman was surprised that Jesus would even speak to her, as Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing history of animosity towards each other. The woman was even more surprised when Jesus knew that she had been married five times and was now living with a man who was not her husband. But Jesus did not judge her. Instead, He offered her grace and didn't see her as a Samaritan or a woman of questionable reputation; He saw her as a human being in need of His grace. 

By engaging her in conversation, Jesus not only showed her compassion but also revealed His true identity as the Messiah. This encounter with Jesus changed the woman's life and led to the conversion of many others in her community. His conversation with this woman is a powerful reminder that He loves and accepts all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is also a reminder that we should not be too busy to serve, visit or be a listening ear to those around us.

As we reflect on this story, we can learn a valuable lesson about the importance of putting people before tasks. In today's fast-paced world, it is easy to become focused on our own tasks and goals. But when we do that, we miss out on the opportunity to connect with others and show them the love of Christ. 

Let’s Reflect
So, the next time you're tempted to rush through your day, take a moment to pause and look for opportunities to serve those in front of you. It could be something as simple as offering help to someone in need or taking the time to listen to a friend in distress. It's important to remember that people are more important than tasks. And every person is valuable and worthy of love, and we have the privilege of being Christ's hands and feet in the world.