A Change of Priorities
She left her water jar behind.
Earlier in the morning, the Samaritan woman had made the decision to take her water jar and go to the well. Perhaps she did the same thing at the same time every day. Regardless, getting water is of utmost importance, crucial for a woman like her for all the tasks of the home (there is, of course, no running water in her home - she must go get it). She and Jesus spoke about never thirsting again. She looked for some pragmatic, yet unbelievable solution. She was focused on water one drinks. (Just as the disciples are focused on food.)
But after her encounter with Jesus, the woman simply left her water jar at the well and went to tell people. Her priorities changed in the moment.
John 4:27-42
Just then, Jesus’ disciples arrived and were shocked that he was talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman put down her water jar and went into the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who has told me everything I’ve done! Could this man be the Christ?” They left the city and were on their way to see Jesus.
In the meantime the disciples spoke to Jesus, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
Jesus said to them, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.”
The disciples asked each other, “Has someone brought him food?”
Jesus said to them, “I am fed by doing the will of the one who sent me and by completing his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘Four more months and then it’s time for harvest’? Look, I tell you: open your eyes and notice that the fields are already ripe for the harvest. Those who harvest are receiving their pay and gathering fruit for eternal life so that those who sow and those who harvest can celebrate together. This is a true saying, that one sows and another harvests. I have sent you to harvest what you didn’t work hard for; others worked hard, and you will share in their hard work.”
Many Samaritans in that city believed in Jesus because of the woman’s word when she testified, “He told me everything I’ve ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. Many more believed because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this one is truly the savior of the world.”
Prayer
God,
Thank you for the transformative power of encountering Jesus. So help me, God: when it’s right, to set aside daily concerns and focus on what is more lasting. May my priorities be aligned with your will, and may I be bold in sharing Your love with those around me.
Guide me to see beyond the physical needs of this world and recognize the deeper spiritual thirst that only you can fulfill. Empower me to be your witness, breaking down barriers and reaching out to those who feel marginalized and forgotten.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.