He needed to pass through Samaria. So he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water.      John 4:4-7 (WEB)
Jesus has a conversation with a Samaritan woman. Comparing it to His day and culture, that would be like a famous Christian minister having a conversation with a well-known prostitute in board daylight at a local gas station. It would not have been a secret!
Jesus tells the woman that He has a way for her to never be humiliated (thirsty) again but first He establishes His “repâ€. Jesus tells her that He knows things about her (and yet still spoke to her with respect). Jesus also spoke prophetically, telling her that all (Jew and Samaritan) will worship God in a new and different way.
Jesus went out of His way to go where He would not be welcomed or even liked. He sought this woman to bring her words of eternal life – but also to “birth†an evangelist who would tell many and bring them to the Word. (John 4:39-42) Jesus gave His personal approval to a woman who was also hated by church leaders and church goers alike.
By the standards of many denominations and non-denominations fellowships, Jesus chose one who would never be chosen by the synagogue’s deacon board; never be accepted to a seminary. Jesus chose the one with an empathetic heart who answered His call.
Does your fellowship encourage, empower, and listen to those who are called and anointed by God or only those with seminary and graduate credentials?
Skye McCracken, from western Kentucky, in his Kyrie Eleison blogpost offers some pastoral thoughts on the subject.
