Who would think that a conversation over a coffee could change your life. That’s exactly what happens in this week’s Gospel, John 4:5-42.
Jesus is hot and thirsty when he meets a Samaritan woman by Jacob’s well. With bold confidence he asks; ‘Give me a drink’. She is startled and incredulous but engages in an intriguing conversation with Jesus. And so, between them, they listen, respond, ask tough questions, enjoy a laugh, exchanges ideas and eventually they reveal to each other their true identity.
Jesus declares he is the Messiah she’s she been looking for: “I am he.” And he guarantees her everlasting friendship, and eternal life. She is known and loved.
The woman forgets herself, leaves her water jar and runs with joyful freedom to share the good news with her friends. She is transformed. Soon the whole town comes to faith and recognise they have met ‘the Savior of the world.’
We’re often desperate for a coffee, to be heard and accepted. This drinking coffee can be holy work because in the sharing we may introduce others to ‘the living water.’
by Virginia Ryan