Shame and the Water Jar
Jesus did not have to go to Samaria for devout Jews would go the long way around. But Jesus chose to go. There is a woman, an outcast, alone in the middle of the day with her water jar, this scene speaks volumes, it hints at her shame. She cannot go to the well at the same time as others. As the conversation begins we see societal pressure “you are a Jew and I Samaritan woman.” Devout Jews would not have anything to do with Samaritan men, never mind women. When asked a question about her marital status she tells Jesus that she has no husband, she does not technically lie but she conceals 5 husbands and the fact that she is now living with a 6th man. Shame keeps us from feeling convicted of doing something wrong. Jesus through questioning exposes her into life, She leaves her water jar (so little you could almost miss it) she leaves her shame behind. She goes to invite other people. It is remarkable that they listen to her, they would not go to the well with her but are compelled by the transformation. Jesus can speak to our shame as well, invite someone to take a closer look at Christ and his church.
