Showing Up: Loving Others Like Jesus DoesChikamu

GOD GIVES (Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman)

This Bible passage tells a powerful story. The Samaritan woman approached the well, probably wanting to be away from others’ stares and gossip. She didn’t expect to see anyone, certainly not a man sitting alone. Who was he? Would he be hostile? Would he ignore her?

It was Jesus, and he was neither hostile nor passive; instead he had a simple request which he spoke to her. In that culture, a Jewish man speaking to a Samaritan woman would have been not just unexpected but also taboo.

Jesus knew the woman fully before they ever met or spoke, and that knowledge shaped his words and ministry.

When we take the time and effort to really see those we minister to, they become known. We display and embody this “knowing” as we listen to them, comfort them, encourage them, help them, empathize with them, and remember the details of their story,

In her book, Dr. Yolanda Pierce writes about a teacher who calls the full name of each student for roll each day. She writes, “Everyone [..] .wants to feel seen and affirmed. Everyone wants to know that their presence matters: that someone knows their name, hears the tremble in their voice, and cares for them unconditionally." (1)

You are seen and affirmed by the same Jesus who met the Samaritan woman. He is neither hostile nor passive. He invites you to know the fullness of his living water. Drink deeply. Let him show that you are known. Let him reveal how he will use you to share his living water with those around you, those you mentor, and those you lead.

REFLECTION

What simple thing might Jesus be asking you to do as you sit down “at the well” with him today?

How are those in your ministry struggling this week? How do they need to be “seen”? Stop and pray specifically for them.

(1) Pierce, Yolanda. In My Grandmother’s House: Black women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit. Broadleaf Books. Minneapolis, MN. (2021)