READ John 4:1-30
REFLECT
One of the things that always strikes me about this account of Jesus and the woman at the well is the overall awkwardness of the conversation.
Jesus is Jewish and a man, while she is a Samaritan and a woman. In addition to this, we learn that her home life is complicated and something that would have garnered her a reputation at that time. Culturally, in those days, this is a conversation that shouldn’t be happening on multiple levels. As you read the passage, you can almost feel the levels of awkwardness for them and for anyone observing.
But Jesus continues to push through the awkwardness for the sake of the relationship.
He drank from her water jug, he spoke to her, he asked her questions with a genuine interest in her life, and most of all, he shared hope.
What if Jesus hadn’t had this conversation? What if he decided to take a pass because it was too uncomfortable or awkward?
You see, I think the most powerful moments in our lives are often the most awkward. I think some of the most amazing things in our lives are on the other side of awkwardness. Most of all…
I think God shows up when we push through awkwardness for the sake of a relationship.
Jesus’ willingness to push through the awkwardness and to bring hope changed this woman’s life and the lives of those around her forever. He did the same with tax collectors, prostitutes, Pharisees, and even his friends at times.
For Jesus, life change was often on the other side of the awkward conversation.
BOTTOM LINE
Often the awkward moments in our lives are the most powerful moments.
LIVE
As we choose to be FOR people in our communities, we need to be willing to push through the awkwardness that sometimes comes with a new relationship. Maybe today you need to introduce yourself to that new neighbour (or old one whose name you forgot). Or perhaps you need to buy lunch for that new coworker who you don’t know. Or you need to invite over that couple who are in a hard situation and need to hear some hope right now.
PRAY
God, this week as I encounter moments when I know I should be FOR the person in my neighbourhood, at work, or on the sidelines, but it feels awkward, help me to have the courage to push through the awkwardness, knowing that a powerful moment, a connection, or a friendship may be on the other side. I pray that you would use that encounter as an opportunity to speak hope into that person’s life.
