Can the Lord help us break down the barriers that society creates? Even if you haven’t personally experienced this, the answer to that question is yes! A few years ago, we joined with a Christian organization to pass out groceries and encourage people in New Orleans after the hurricane. Even though it had been several years, the effect of the hurricane were still being felt. We were of a different race and culture than those we ministered to and were afraid that our efforts would be rebuffed as a result. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our outreach was well received. Conversations took place, people were prayed for, fellow believers were encouraged, and people were cared for by word and deed.
Jesus Crossed a Racial Barrier
Faith in Jesus does and will continue to bring down barriers erected by society. In our story of the woman at the well, we see something similar happen when Jesus encounters a woman who was not a Jew.
John 4:4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” [1]
When we reach out to people with the love of Jesus in our hearts and let the Lord direct our path through word and deeds, it helps overcome suspicious motives. Jesus’ behavior won the woman over in a short time. The good news is that the love of Jesus changes hearts. We begin to see people the way He sees them. This allows suspicious ones to begin to see us differently. The enemy always wants to divide people in whatever way he can, but Jesus works to unite us and build up the Kingdom of God.
Questions to ponder
What cultural barriers has Jesus overcome in your life to draw you into friendship with Him? How does knowing that Jesus’ love covers all barriers impact you? How is Jesus calling you to go outside of your comfort zone for sake of the Gospel? Who is He calling you to reach out to?
To hear more about the woman at the well, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-the-woman-at-the-well
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 4:4–9). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.