Deep Wells and Homemade Desserts

One terrific perk about our group here is that we usually have tremendous homemade desserts around. These can vary from cookies to apple pie and brownies to flaming oranges (yes, we actually ignite them). Because of the handiwork of our group bakers, me not included, we have had the pleasure of providing these goodies to the group we hang out with at Lamb's Cottage. There is something about a handcrafted cookie or brownie that spurs conversation. These conversations can range from exchanging pleasantries to introspective muses on spirituality or the state of homelessness in Eugene. Whatever the topic, homemade desserts help to put us in a place of commonality to begin these engagements.

"Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.... When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, 'Will you give me a drink?' The Samaritan woman said to Him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?' (For Jews did not associate with Samaritans). Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.' 'Sir,' the woman said, 'you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?'

At this point, Jesus has engaged this woman in conversation and goes on to reveal some painful truths, but in doing so shines the light on her need for Him, the Son of God. Jesus, in His humanness, was tired and thirsty and He happened to meet this lady, who was from a people who opposed Jews and vice versa. He began a conversation by asking for some water. Sure, I believe that Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and where the conversation would lead, but it is interesting to see the beginning of it.

The story resumes later with the woman leaving her water jar and going back to town to tell others about this encounter with a man who says He is the Messiah. She testified as to what He said and what He knew about her and how He offered living water. They urged Jesus to stick around for a couple more days.

"And because of His words many more became believers. They said to the woman, 'We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.'"

You see, when Jesus sat next to the deep well to rest, He engaged into conversation with the Samaritan woman and met her where she was at. Through this conversation she believed in Him and many others believed because of the words Jesus had to share. As we continue to journey though our life in His Kingdom, we should be ready to engage people where they are at. Each and every person is different, but each desires to be known. That is what is so miraculous about Jesus; He shared His message with many people, but interacted with them differently. So, whether we are resting next to a deep well or sharing a homemade treat with our neighbor (including those who you would never see yourself associating with), we can listen, talk, and share life with people and give them the good news of the Living Water.

D