July 2, 2020 -- John 4:27 -- Running with Good News

Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

John 4:27 English Standard Version

The disciples did the wisest thing possible—they were silent. There is a proverb which states: “It is better to be silent and have people think you a fool, than for you to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Had the disciples voiced their questioning disapproval, they would have interfered with Jesus’ testimony. They were betraying the fact that man looks to the outside, but God looks to the heart.

The disciples surveyed the situation and in a quick glance or two had summarized the scene in this way. There is a woman out in the noon day sun at the well. Based on her words and outfit, she is a despised Samaritan. Worse, she must be a woman of ill repute otherwise she’d show up at the cool of the day. In milliseconds they had determined she is hardly worth the Master’s attention.

Isn’t that ever so easy for us as well.? We are altogether too quick and we are foolish in our assessment of people. We do not see others with the eyes of faith which would lead us to consider every person we meet as one created in the image of God and worthy of hearing the Best News Ever—being introduced to Jesus Himself.

What was Jesus' seeking? He was seeking His Father’s glory. Jesus was sent by the Father in order that people might believe on Him and by believing have eternal life.

Why was Jesus speaking with her? Isaiah 52:7 was being fulfilled: “How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the good news that the God of Israel reigns.”

Thank You, God our Father, for the men and women who led us to Jesus Christ. Thank You for those who showed they have beautiful feet which led them to declare to us the wonderful news that God, You reign. Cause us, Spirit of God, to go boldly to men and to women, to neighbours and coworkers, to whomever You give us so that we declare to them the glory of Jesus. Amen.