When we cross boundaries to engage people who are not like us, it might raise eyebrows.
As we left our story yesterday, Jesus had just dropped the bombshell about being the messiah, and the Samaritan woman had dropped her water jar and run back to town (more on that tomorrow…).
Jesus’ disciples had come back from their food-run and, John tells us, “They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman,” but no one questioned him. They were more practical: “Rabbi, eat something!” And Jesus goes all metaphoric again, just as he had in the conversation about water: ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’
“Did someone bring him something to eat?” the disciples ask each other.
I can imagine Jesus shaking his head at their literal-mindedness.
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest?’ But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.”
The fields are ripe with people hurting, disconnected, thirsty for Good News about a loving God who draws near to God’s people, Jesus is saying – to them, and to us. “Look, just sitting here by this well I found one. Think how many more there are like her? We may not find them at the temple, but they’re all over the towns and roads. You may have to talk to people you’re not supposed to talk to, and look places you don’t normally go – but the harvest is ready.”
He also says the harvest is assured: “The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life.” Bringing people into eternal relationship with the living God is ultimately God’s job, and one God has chosen to do with us. We are the ones who issue the invitations; God is the host at the feast. We don’t need to worry about outcomes when we talk with people in our lives about the peace, joy, purpose, comfort, centeredness we enjoy as followers of Jesus. We just tell our stories of our encounters with True Love, and open doors that others might want to walk through.
Do you know anyone who is curious about your spiritual life?
Anyone ever ask why you go to church, or used to? Anyone ever ask you to pray for them?
Here’s a radical idea: offer to pray with them, right then. “Can we say a quick prayer now? God, thank you for blessing xxx with your healing love and light. Release your power in us today. Thank you.”
That would do it…
As you pray today, maybe go back to that image of bringing people to the well for healing and blessing.
This time, bring in anyone who comes to mind as having some spiritual hunger. Just bring them into that picture, invite them to drink some of that living water.
If Jesus is there in your picture, introduce them. That’s a way to pray for people we know.
And, if you dare, ask God if you’re meant to start a spiritual conversation with them in “real time.”
All we do is be true to our own stories, and listen attentively to the stories of the Other.
When we make that kind of space, community happens – and often, Jesus shows up too.
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