What Jesus Did! 'A Barrier Breaker' — John 4:7-9

Friday, March 2, 2018

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.
— John 4:7-9 NLT
Illustration of John 4:7-9 NLT — "Please give me a drink."

Key Thought

Asking for a drink doesn't seem like a big deal. In this case, however, it is a huge deal! Jesus is a Jew. Jews considered Samaritans unworthy and unclean cousins. Jews felt that even simple interactions with a Samaritan would defile them. Jesus is a Rabbi, a male teacher of Israel. A "real" Rabbi didn't talk publicly with any women in Jesus' day. But this woman was seeking. This woman was alone. This woman was thirsty for living water. This woman needed Jesus. Jesus let nothing stand in his way of reaching her. Jesus is always a barrier breaker. Are we?

Today's Prayer

O Father, give me a heart to treat people as Jesus did. Fill me with your Spirit. Open my heart to your concern. Use me to break through barriers and establish connections so that others can come to know Jesus, find his living water, and share that gift with others. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Ephesians 2:11-18
  • Galatians 3:26-29
  • Matthew 28:18-20

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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