“Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, “What do you want with her?” or “Why are you talking to her?””
John 4:27 NLT
The moment ended. The revelation of who Jesus was faded with the return of the disciples, who were presumably carrying a packed lunch both for themselves and for Jesus. The profound declaration of “I Am the Messiah”, written in lights in the heavens, merged into the every day reality of a natural life in Israel two thousand years ago. The prejudices between Jews and Samaritans reared its ugly head and the negative thoughts of the disciples chased away the purity of faith that was emerging from the shadows. Foremost in their minds was the thought that Jews don’t converse with women and particularly never Samaritan women.
If we pilgrims were asked today if we have any similar prejudices, what would we say? Do we look down on other people? Do we avoid contact with people we think are inferior to us? Do we only mix with our peer groups, neglecting others who might not have had the same opportunities of education that we have had, or vice versa. The Apostle James had some stern words about prejudice within the church. “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favour some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”“ (James 2:1-4). But I wonder if James was one of the disciples who were prejudiced against the Samaritans that day? He may well have been, but the transforming power of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost would have dealt with all of that!
A problem in society today is that people seem to have lost respect for their fellow human beings. For example, for some people or groups, unless others buy into their own particular ideology or world view, then they are in danger of being shunned, cancelled, or even worse. So this is an opportunity for us believers to share the truth that all people are considered equal before God. He has no favourites. Romans 2:11, “For God does not show favouritism”. I heard recently of a church men’s outing where, of the 21 attendees, there were 15 different nationalities and ages ranging from 19 to 80. The owner of the restaurant where they had a meal together was most intrigued. But why should he have been surprised – this is what Christians do.
But back to our disciples with Jesus and the Samaritan woman, by Jacob’s well. Jesus knew what they were thinking of course, and the following couple of days spent in the village of Sychar would have been interesting.
Dear Father God. All men and women are equal before You. Thank You for Your love and grace. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 