Hi friends! Welcome back to the Gospel of John and it's beautiful prose. Today we'll read more about John the Baptist, a lengthy section about Jesus and a Samaritan woman and His second miracle. If you have any questions about today's reading don't hesitate to ask. I'm always happy to walk with you in this process :)
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about Jesus?
How is this different from the other gospels?
What about this reading is impactful to me?
- Theological Context/Implications -
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: There are 3 massive theological implications found within this story that I want to briefly share with you.
A Messiah for All People: Jesus approaches a Samaritan and engages her in conversation and accepts water from her. All of this would be taboo as evidenced by the scripture itself with her caution. Jesus tosses this aside saying something to the effect of "the jews and Samaritans are too focused on old differences and revelations: God's Messiah is for all."
A Messiah for the underdog: It's often noted that Jesus affirmed women in his ministry whether that is Susanna, Mary (x3), or Martha as his disciples and students. But the Gospel of John goes one step farther and has Jesus first self proclamation of Him being the Messiah be not to his disciples or even a fellow Jew but to a Samaritan woman. Through this action a multitude of Samaritans are brought to believe in Christ as Messiah. In other words, a centuries old conflict was fixed by an invitation to find a new way forward from past division.
Looking for more fun context on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman? Today's Bible Project video examines the meaning of "the water of life."
Prayer for the Day
Our prayer today is written on page 259 in our hymnal - another prayer about transfiguration. I invite you to lift up this prayer to God before you close out of this time of study with God.
Holy God, upon the mountain you revealed our Messiah, who by his death and resurrection would fulfill both the law and the prophets. By his transfiguration enlighten our path that we may dare to suffer with him in the service of humanity and so share in the everlasting glory of him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever. Amen.
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