2 Sam. 13-14
As we read recently, the turmoil in David’s family noted in these two chapters is the direct result of David’s sin with Bathsheba. And it is just the tip of the iceberg. If the Bible makes anything crystal clear, it’s that there is no such thing as a perfect person (except for Jesus) and there is no such thing as a perfect family. David and his family are no exception.
Stories like these really open my eyes to the stupid things we do when we let our desires, our passions, our anger get hold of us. Somehow, when we get our eyes and our heart fixed on something other than God, we cease listening to reason. Let this be a reminder to me of the importance of keeping my eyes and my heart fixed on God alone. I need to constantly check myself so if I notice them starting to stray I can turn them back before they get fixed elsewhere. Because once they do, the chances are very great that I will do something stupid.
John 4:1-26
This is one of the few instances where Jesus specifically reaches out to a non-Jew with His salvation message. And I have heard it suggested that Jesus actually sought this woman out. In vs 4, when Jesus was headed for Galilee, it says, “And He had to pass through Samaria.” Had to…Jews took great pains to avoid the Samaritans. Typically, when they travelled as Jesus intended to here, they would go around Samaria to avoid going through it. So, no, Jesus didn’t have to go through Samaria – there was a way around. Unless, of course, He had an appointed meeting with a certain woman at a certain well, where He conveniently waited by Himself while sending His disciples off to get food.
The passage also noted that He was at the well around noon. I have heard that noon is not the typical time of day for women of the city to come out and draw water. Who wants to draw water in the heat of the day? This woman would have come at that hour because she was an outcast. And Jesus would have known that. Interesting. The fact that she was not a Jew intrigues me that much more, as Jesus was usually quite focused on His ministry being for the Jews (knowing, of course, that it would be spread to the Gentiles later).
Furthermore, Jesus does something else He doesn’t often do – He comes right out and tells her who He is. When she mentions the Messiah, He responds in vs 26, “I who speak to you am He.” Doesn’t get any more direct than that. I don’t know why it was so imperative for Jesus to meet with this one specific Samaritan (non-Jewish) outcast woman, but it certainly gives us a good picture of the Father’s heart.