Eyes to SeeSample

Think of the story of the woman at the well. Do you know it? Jesus is hungry and thirsty in the middle of the day. It’s hot. His disciples have gone looking for food. Jesus goes up to the well. Through the simmering heat, He sees a woman drawing water and decides to engage her in conversation. But here’s the thing: most people didn’t draw water in the heat of the day. This woman was at the well when no one else would be because her own people ostracized her. Maybe because she had five husbands and now was living with another man. The woman was a Samaritan, while Jesus was male and Jewish. And it was to this woman that Jesus spoke, explaining that He offered living water. It was, in fact, this woman—this nobody in her own society—to whom Jesus first revealed that He was the Messiah.

Jesus offered people His living water and dignity, showing us that He came not just for the religious but for those invisible to society. It didn’t go over well with the religious leaders of the day. They said of Him, “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (Luke 7:34), and yet, these very things were a sign that He was the Messiah (Luke 7:22).

Karen of Ottawa, ON, was moved with Compassion after seeing images of suffering Syrian refugees and wanted to respond as Jesus would. She heard about churches that sponsored refugees and asked herself, “Why can’t we do that?” Because of her, her small community raised over $100,000 to bring several families to safety in Canada.

Becoming more like Jesus is a life given to serve others. It is a life caring for those we would have previously shrunk back from or simply ignored. Jesus calls us to follow His example and bring good news to the poor in our words and actions.

Reflect:

• What do you find most attractive and compelling about how Jesus interacted with people?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, Thank You for coming into our world and moving among us. Thank You for showing us through Your life and teaching us what the love of God looks like. Give us the eyes to see as You see. Give us the compassion to feel toward people as You feel. Amen.