Encounters Along the Way – The Samaritan Woman

Soon after calling the twelve to follow Him, Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. In addition to His apostles there were also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene.

While scripture doesn’t specifically say which events Mary was present at, there is a possibility that she could have met the Samaritan woman at the well. After Jesus had told the Samaritan woman that He was the Messiah, she joyfully shared the news with her whole village and the people asked Him to stay and teach them more.

Mary could relate with this woman. Both had been outcasts in their towns and felt the sting of judgement. They knew what it was like to be avoided and talked about. They also knew how it felt to be forgiven, set free and made clean.

How about you? Have you experienced judgment and rejection from others? Do you know what it’s like to be left out and gossiped about? It’s painful and lonely. Unfortunately this can happen not only in secular relationships, but within the body of believers as well.

An encounter with Jesus changed everything. Meeting Him and experiencing the grace He freely offered, gave them new life. Being forgiven is a reminder that we all fall short and have sinned.

While rejection and gossip still hurt, we can live in the knowledge of the truth that we are loved, chosen and redeemed by the Savior of the World. That knowledge, like the Samaritan woman, leads us to share our Lord with the very people who have hurt and mistreated us. That leaves them in the hands of God and we are free to live loved in a relationship with Christ.

Be Intentional about living loved in Christ.

Praises & Prayers

Lord, what a difference an encounter with You made in each of these woman’s lives. Your presence in our lives reminds us that we are not alone and although the world may reject us, You never will. Thank you for Your love and acceptance and especially Your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.