A dialogue in Samaria I
The dialogue described in John 4, arguably one of the least read chapters from the New Testament, it is also one of the most important passages, giving us – Christians - at least two far-reaching messages.
This exchange between a Samaritan woman and our Lord Jesus illustrates the situation between Creator and creation up to that time: the separation, the distance that existed between God and men. This separation, caused by Adam’s sin, was mostly characterized by the very small number of people with whom the Lord would communicate, during the time of the Old Testament. This communication involved mostly prophets, but also some judges and kings, and it was mainly conveyed through dreams and revelations, but also some direct contact (e.g. Moses). It is interesting to notice that most of this exchange involved reciprocity: if a sin was committed, then a sacrifice had to be performed; prosperity would follow obedience, offerings with gratitude, i.e. an action was always followed by a reaction. How much did the coming of our Lord change this scenario……….
At the time Jesus spoke to the Samaritan this dialogue was simply unimaginable: a Jewish man speaking with a woman, and specially, a Samaritan woman! This was a clear indication that the Lord was already opening the doors between Creator and creation…….
"You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?" (John 4:12) said the woman to Jesus. As the Lord was revealing the Grace – Christ himself – it was difficult for mankind to recognize that the work of the Lord is superior to laws and traditions. This situation exists until today: how many denominations insist in imposing traditions and more commandments upon the people, neglecting the fact that the Lord Jesus has changed this whole dynamics. People of God should move forward, walking with Jesus, and not going back to the situation that He delivered us from.
The work of God through Jesus Christ is the culmination of a lengthy preparation of God’s people through laws, commandments, sacrifices and ceremonies. He has now given us liberty, grace, the Holy Spirit, by showing us “the Way”. Going back to the old ways just brings unnecessary suffering and sadness to human’s souls: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).