How We Look at Samaritans

Scripture Reading — John 4:4-30

[Jesus] said to her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
— John 4:16

Whom do you identify with in this story?

I grew up knowing that Jesus always had the right answers, so of course the objective was to try to be as much like Christ as possible.

But could God have included this story in Scripture to show, as well, how other characters might portray parts of our own lives? We may have more in common with the Samaritan woman than we’d like to admit. Most of us have made choices in life that we are not proud of, and our lives are marked by the results of those choices.

Alternatively, in what ways might we be like Jesus’ disciples, who stiffened at the sight of their rabbi “hanging out” with a damaged woman? I have to admit that at times my concerns about being spiritually right or pure have crowded out my compassion for people who might be struggling in their own lives—spiritually or physically or both. Sadly, when it comes to showing Christ’s love to others, we who follow Jesus can often be less than Christlike.

Think of someone you know who is struggling and hasn’t quite handled life in a way you would expect. What would be a Christlike way to respond to them?

Lord, help me to see people from your perspective. Teach me to respond with compassion, to notice those who struggle, and to embody your love in practical ways. Amen.

Written by: Ron Vanderwell