Devotions: John 4:27-38

Jesus' Disciples Arrive at the Well

Points:
Jesus' disciples arrive at the well and see him talking with a woman. Although  they were surprised at this, none of them asked him why or what they were discussing. The woman went back to her village and told everyone of the man at the well "who told her everything" she ever did. Then she asks them, "can this be the Messiah"? At this a steady stream from the village went to see Jesus. During all this, the disciples were trying to get Jesus to eat something, but he told them that he had food they did not know about. Of course they were confused, then Jesus told them that he receives nourishment from doing God's will and finishing His work. Jesus then tells the disciples a parable of the fields and how the harvest is ripening and will be ready four months from now. "The harvesters are paid good wages and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!" Jesus then tells the disciples that he had sent them to a harvest they didn't plant, "others had already done the work, and you will gather the harvest".

Problems:
Problems arise between Jesus and the disciples when they do not understand what Jesus is doing and why he is doing it. This also holds true to other followers because, if the chosen few cannot discern what Jesus is trying to tell them, who then among men would be able to understand? Jesus gives them parables of harvests and planting and works miracles before their eyes so they will understand and believe he is the Messiah - Son of God.

Parallels:
Matthew 12:23; 23:7; 19:29; Luke 6:13; Mark 11:25; 9:5; 14:45

Perils:
The perils I see in this passage, is when people think they are not good enough to speak to a "righteous" person such as Jesus. The woman at the well told Jesus that she was a Samaritan and that he was a Jew. They had differences of opinions on how and where to worship, but Jesus explained the basics to her and she understood. The woman was also of questionable character having been married five times and now living with a man who was not her husband. Yet, Jesus broke down the traditional barriers and accepted her as she was.

Precepts:
The commands I see here are that we are to harvest what has been planted. Even though someone else has planted the seed, we can still harvest those men and women who have been ripening over time. I feel that just because we as Christians do not initially bring God's word to others, there is still a chance we will happen along in their lives just as their fields are ready. They may have been raised in the church, but have fallen away, then we set an example of God's love for them that they are ready to receive. "Others have already done the work and we will gather the harvest."

Applications:
I can apply this message in my life today by being an example of Christ and ready to gather the harvest from those who may have been disillusioned by religion or have been struggling with doubts, or those who have questions. I know that by staying in the word and trying to model my life after Christ, people will know there is something different about me and that living by faith is not such a scary thing. I pray every day for the strength to be that beacon for God that others look at and say, "This guy has something that I want. I've been struggling for years with questions about becoming a follower of Christ and have seen so many contradictions out there that it doesn't sound any different than what I have now, but this guy John really makes me want to have a relationship with the Father and be open to receiving His love, grace and mercy."