Reading the gospel of John, I’m impressed with how Jesus relates to women.
In a noted patriarchal society, His interactions with women really highlight what it is to be full of grace and truth. Conversing with the Samaritan Woman at the well is a prime example.
Here is Jesus turning a request for a drink into an invitation into life with the Messiah. He offers these knowing her past, even in the immediate past. He does not condone her behaviour, but neither does He condemn her. He still makes the offer – such is her change because of the good news that her village gets in on the action through her.
The truth is that our past reflects brokenness and rebellion. There maybe a road to travel, but we prefer to do things a different way. Subsequently we get hurt, we make mistakes and we refer to a coping state just to survive whilst wasting away inside. Also we can be rejects of society and so take a place of ridicule and the target of gossip.
Jesus, though, full of grace and truth comes and says that was then, but this is now. The hour approaches and has now arrived where the Father looks for true worshippers. As in NOW the Father is looking for them. The issuea of the last minute, hour, day, week, month and lifetime does not stop God from extending the chance NOW to worship Him in Spirit and truth. That is not about getting all misty eyed when singing Amazing Grace, that’s about a faith that transforms life in the light of an encounter with truly amazing grace.
That Jesus extends that offer today even to the ‘vilest offender who truly believes’ is astounding. It marks out another reason why we are invited to join Jesus’ mission to spread this good news near and far.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 