Saturday, March 26
John 4:1-6
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and “baptizing more disciples than John (although he himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.
You never know where your journey will take you. On a recent trip, to a warmer climate, we solicited the help of a local taxi driver. We requested information on a medical clinic, asking if it was reputable and reliable. No one plans for fevers and sore throats on a vacation. Our driver assured us that the doctors were excellent and highly qualified and that her friends had used the clinic in the past. Because of the driver’s kindness and directions, we asked her if we could call her during our visit to take us to different venues. Later in the week, we used her services to travel to a secluded pier to obtain a rental boat. After hearing our destination and asking us many questions, she became very hesitant and explained this particular area was remote and not located in a safe part of town.
After much discussion, she would not let us out of the van but rather transported us to a safe marina. Our group used her services throughout the week, while she always looked out for our safety. We asked her to take us to the airport on Sunday, which was her day off, however she told us that first she would have to attend church and then pick us up on her own time. God provides us with His disciples who keep us safe and steer us down secure paths on life’s journey. We thank God for people who have Christ in their lives and in their hearts.
In the previous chapters of John, we learn of Jesus and John the Baptist ministries. Their influence and preaching stirred up the masses, challenging their thinking and their faith.
The religious leaders in Judea feared them and felt threatened because Jesus and John developed a powerful following. The tension was great and Christ left Judea and traveled to Galilee. It may seem to some that Jesus may have been avoiding conflict with the Pharisees, but Jesus was just being led by the Father’s will. After looking at a map and reading John’s gospel, we know Jesus took the most direct path between Judea and Galilee, passing through Samaria. This too was part of the Father’s plan for the people of Samaria as we later read in chapter four. The Lord also provided a well to quench His thirst and a place for Jesus to rest His tired body after his long hot journey. We don’t know what journey our Father has in store for each of us, but we do know He will be right by our side giving us strength and direction.
If God brings you to it,
He will bring you through it!
Sandy and Nate Drucker
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