–from Joanna Harader

Scripture: John 4: 4-42
–Check out this animated re-telling on YouTube.

Thoughts:
During Jesus’ day, the Jewish people and the Samaritan people did not get along. They had a difficult history with each other and they had different ideas about God. So it is surprising that Jesus would stop in Samaria and ask a woman there for a drink of water. And it is surprising that this woman would listen to what a Jewish man had to say about God and even invite her friends to come and meet Jesus.

To Consider:
Have you ever talked or played with people who were different from you? Maybe they were from a different country or had a different color of skin or went to a different kind of church or . . . . . What was that experience like? How could you give yourself more opportunities to talk with people who can share a different perspective with you?

Spiritual Practice:
Think about Bible stories you know and/or flip through the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and come up with some more examples of times that Jesus interacted with unexpected people. Draw a picture or create a play about your favorite story.

Prayer:
God, thank you for all of the different kinds of people you have created.
We know that you love all of us.
Help us to share your love with everyone we meet.
And help us to allow others to share your love with us as well.
Amen.