Lectionary for Lent 3
God proves his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Collect. O God, the fountain of life, to a humanity parched with thirst you offer the living water of grace which springs up from the rock, our Saviour Christ. Grant your people the gift of the Spirit, that we may profess our faith with courage and announce with joy the wonders of your love. We ask this through our lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Romans 5:1-11. We saw last week that we become what we are meant to be by being born “from above”. This birth is established by God and for us marks a new beginning. It is because of this new birth that we have faith in God and this faith brings with it a sense of peace and contentment. Through this faith in God we can begin to accept ourselves rather than constantly striving to be a “better me”. In our era one of the best selling style of books are those focused on self help. It seems we are obsessed with being better, better health , better weight control, better body image, (what ever that is for you), the list goes on. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be better but that should never be the foundation of a Christian’s life. Scripture says in Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. Psalm 37:7 says “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes”. God has re-created us and he will lead us as we trust in him. Paul writes that he boasts because of the hope of sharing in the glory of God. Furthermore he continues to boast even as he suffers. He is not boasting about the suffering but about the hope that he has which sustains him even while he is suffering and it is this hope of which he boasts that enables him to endure through to the end. At the centre of his faith Paul keeps the victory of Jesus Christ and all that he has done both for Paul and for all Christian believers. Paul’s thoughts go back to the reconciliation that Jesus has obtained through his cross for it is this reconciliation that brings God’s peace.
In Lent sometimes the focus can centre around what we can do or are doing. As Christians we should be actively involved in living out our faith. Lent is about remembering what Jesus has done for it leads up to the cross and our reconciliation with God. Authors have described the hinge of history in many ways, that point at which the direction of human history was altered. For those who believe the hinge of history is in the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus changed forever our relationship with God, set us free and gave us peace with him and therefore peace with ourselves and each other.
Prayer. Holy and Righteous God, we give you our thanks and praise for sending your Son into the world to redeem the whole of creation. You have set us free from sin and decay and removed from us the fear of death by giving to us eternal life. We thank you that through Jesus we can live in you and through your guidance and grace can live in ways which honour you. You are the Great Creator and all things find their origin and fulfilment in you. Once more we place our trust in you for in you is harmony and peace. We offer our prayers through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen
Reading. John 4:1-42. John’s Gospel is often given to new believers but of all the gospels it contains some of the deep theological insights of the New Testament. As the youngest Apostle John is one of the last eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus. Before we consider the text let us think back to the situation into which this passage was written. Jesus was crucified around 30 AD. Pilot who condemned Jesus was governor in Palestine between 26-36 AD and the crucifixion occurred about the middle of his governorship. John’s Gospel was written in 80-90 AD and John’s gospel, the John letters and Revelation were the last written works admitted into the New Testament.
Jesus was born during the reign of Caesar Augustus but by the time this passage was being read, Caligula, Claudius, Nero and Vespasian had all died. Domitian is Caesar and it was around this time that a major persecution of the Christian church by Rome had begun. It was during this time that Christianity was seen as a separate entity, distinct from Judaism and while there had been spasmodic persecutions before, now persecution was a real threat to the very existence of the church.
So John writing from Ephesus writes to encourage the faith of the church and help in spreading the faith in the area surrounding Ephesus. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name”. John 20:30/31.
From that brief sketch we see that there is an important purpose in including this memory in his writing. The passage opens by reminding us he had to go through Samaria in order to arrive at Sychar. The readers of the time would have known he didn’t have to go through Samaria. No Jew went through, they walked around and took an extra day to avoid Samaria. So we understand that John is reminding us that Jesus goes to Samaria under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. What is being described here is nothing less than a divine appointment.
Consider these three points, Jesus converses with a Samaritan, a woman and a sinner. Jews had no dealings with Samaritans. This animosity went right back to the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. (c/f Ezra 4). The Samaritans had mixed the worship of the Lord God with the worship of other gods. In order to keep themselves pure the Jews kept away from all Samaritans.
Not only was this person a Samaritan but she was also a woman. We may not like it but at this time woman had no status at all. John recalls that the disciples were astonished! Even the woman herself is taken aback that Jesus both a man and a Jew, approaches her. Furthermore Jesus then asked for her help. This exchange is culturally and socially unthinkable.
John then adds to the drama by revealing that this woman is not only a sinner but she is an habitual sinner for she has had many partners. John does not tell us why she had so many partners but as in all relationships there is more than one person involved. His description reminds us of the brokenness of the relationships between nations, genders and people. Here was a woman defiled, representing a nation defiled and in each case we see Jesus bringing new life and new hope.
To each and to all of them Jesus offers acceptance and forgiveness. He also offers a new way to act and live. In the kingdom that Jesus is bringing all are equally gather in.
The Samaritan woman is the one who receives ministry and acceptance from Jesus but as we read and consider the passage everyone is able to see something of themselves in John’s remembrance. The message from John reminds us that Jesus brings forgiveness and restores relationships. He is reaching out and is offering a new start to those who are prepared to take it. His touch brings life and Jesus is asking for a response. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 14:6 NRSV
Prayer. Holy Spirit, by your grace, lead us into the truth revealed by Christ’s acceptance of all. Forgive us our prejudices, and the way we so easily judge others. Forgive our intolerance of one another while all the time assuming that your love and forgiveness will flow to us. In your mercy forgive us for the arrogance that takes without giving, and the selfishness that seeks to put our needs before others. Open our eyes to the truth of your saving power, and let our lives be changed, that we may truly love, as you love. Amen.
Collect. Generous God, wellspring of grace, you have brought the living water of eternal life. Help us to drink of the Spirit of Christ so that our thirst may be fully quenched and our lives bear abundant fruit, for the sake of Jesus our Liberator. Amen.
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