John 4:27-42
27Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” 28Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29“Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” 30They left the city and were on their way to him.
31Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” 34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
39Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41And many more believed because of his word. 42They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”
Prayer:
Surprising God,
You show up in unexpected places, saying unexpected things and giving dignity to those who feel they are unworthy. I am not sure how I would react if you appeared amid the busyness of the semester. I am already feeling antsy, and the semester has just started. Obligations, responsibilities, and deadlines are looming, loudly drowning out Your voice. But, God, I am listening. I doubt I would respond like the woman at the well who runs and shouts to tell others what she has seen and heard. But maybe I will stand a little taller, love myself a little more, and share Your light with those around me when I hear you whisper, “You are enough. You are loved.” Amen.
Written by Shannon Guse, Director of High School and College Ministries
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas