Daily Word of Grace # 38 (May 7, 2020)
In the Gospel According to John there is a moving episode in which Jesus goes to a well in the middle of the day. There is a woman there, which was unusual because normally women gathered at the well in the mornings and evenings, not only for water but also to socialize with one another—and yet there is this woman at the well all alone in the middle of the day. In their conversation Jesus reveals to her his compassion for her personal life, which was not just broken but shattered. Jesus did not judge her, or condemn her, or giver her unsolicited advice. Rather, he accepted her and gave her grace, with no catch. He also promised her a different kind of water: “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in you a spring of water gushing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). Later this woman told her neighbors, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (John 4:29). She had indeed been given acceptance and grace by Jesus, who is indeed the Messiah. On Good Friday Jesus died for this woman at the well and for all like her, alone in the middle of the day fully aware of their shattered personal lives, including you. After his death Jesus’ body was speared by Roman soldier, and blood and water gushed up to eternal life for her, for the world, and for you (John 19:34). Even now the Risen Jesus, who still bears that scar in his side, can tell you everything you have ever done, and offers you acceptance and grace, with no catch.
Love and Prayers,
Dave