Jesus sees beyond the social circumstance that would mark her in the eyes of the people as all used up. He has a theological conversation with her and reveals who he is to her. They have an exchange of being known. My sense is that Jesus wanted to be known as much as the woman wanted to be known. It's the deep cry of the human heart. And here at a well on a dusty day in the wrong part of town with the wrong woman, there is a real encounter of real people.
Being known would cost Jesus his life eventually. Being known gives this woman life eternally.
Today I feel some death in being known and knowing another. I trust that there will be life in it eventually. But it tastes a little like ash today.
It makes me want to shrink back. And I think, "come and see, can the Liberating King who knows everything about me give me real water to drink?"
From John 4:
27 The disciples returned to Him and gathered around Him in amazement that He would openly break their customs by speaking to this woman, but none of them would ask Him what He was looking for or why He was speaking with her. 28The woman went back to the town, leaving her water pot behind. She stopped men and women on the streets and told them about what had happened.
Woman: 29 I met a stranger who knew everything about me. Come and see for yourselves; can He be the Liberating King?
3 comments:
You know, one of my professors found out I know you and we were briefly discussing your bubbly character and rather crazy ability to be really friendly with everyone and she said, rather jokingly, something along the lines of, "I think Sarah is just always really happy. It seems like Sarah just always thinks everything is amazing and she doesn't struggle." I didn't say this, but I thought, "No, there is a great depth in Sarah's soul. It is heartbreaking at times, as all depth should be, and very beautiful."
I am glad that I know you. You give me great life. I hope I give a little back to you. :)
thanks, Krissi. that kinda cracks me up that "i don't struggle". well, pass on that i do and today i certainly am.
Thanks, Sarah, for sharing this perspective. It sure makes sense given middle eastern culture.
I have thought about this encounter in terms of Jesus making connections with people, and how he did so without conveying a sense of condemnation. He "told her everything she ever did," but w/o a tone of judgment. She goes away feeling good about her conversation with him and good about herself -- so much so that she invites others to join her.
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