Devotion:
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Read John 4:27-34.
Today’s story tells us that Jesus went through Samaria, that he came near the town of Sychar, that he was tired, that he sat down by a well, and that a Samaritan woman came to draw water. A huge, centuries-old custom was that Jews did not associate with Samaritans or would not be seen with them. The normal travel path that people took was to go around the land of Samaria.
When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, she couldn’t believe it: She was shocked that he asked her for a drink of water. Why would he do that and how did he know about her? When Jesus’ disciples returned, they were surprised too! Not just that he was talking to a woman, but to a Samaritan!
The woman went back to town to tell her neighbors about her encounter. She told them to come and see a man who told her everything she had ever done. Her neighbors followed her to meet Jesus for themselves. When they invited Jesus to visit with them, he did! That’s what good neighbors do.
Personal Worship Option:
Thank you, Jesus, for showing us how to be neighborly. Give us the love and the courage to break down old walls, make new neighbors, and love them in your name. Amen.
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