People Matter Daily Devotional: September 26

A Word From God’s Word
Just then, His disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe He was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it. The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion, she left her water pot. Back in the village, she told the people, “Come, see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

John 4:27-30 (The Message)

A Word From Tracy Bramwell
I see myself in this Bible story in several places. Back in junior high & high school, I wanted to be popular. If that is normal or human nature, then the Samaritan woman might have also longed to fit in. She assumes this Jewish man will look down on her as Samaritans were half-breeds not liked by the Jews and, in that culture, women were inferior to men and considered property. Yet Jesus chose to reveal himself to this woman. He cares about this community outcast with the sullied reputation.

Then Jesus’ friends show up. Any hopes the woman might have that they would be different were soon dashed. They reacted as I would have too. The NIV translation says they didn’t say these phrases out loud: “What do you want?” and “Why, Jesus, are you talking to her?” The Samaritan woman got the message and knew she wasn’t going to make more friends. But her encounter with Jesus was not diminished by the snobbish reaction of the disciples. She went home and talked to her neighbors.

In her village, she must have had some respect or been known for her honesty. Her community listened to her and went to check out her proposal. Someone who met Jesus (someone with a sordid past) had a huge impact on her community.

Things I learn from this passage:

• Don’t judge a situation or person by what it looks like from my limited, human perspective.
• Listen to people’s stories about their encounters with Jesus.
• If Jesus can love and care for the social outcast, so can I.

Tracy Bramwell is the VBS Director.

A Word With God
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your precious word, the Bible. Help me to love and care for the social outcasts, especially when my peers make that difficult. Help me make Western New York a caring community. Help me to bring others to You, like the Samaritan woman did in her village. Amen.