Humbling Ourselves to Serve. This is the assignment: to present this topic to Middle School youth on Wednesday night.
Jesus. The Samaritan woman at the well. Cultural and religous barriers stand unified like a wall, daring to prohibit Jesus from meeitng this woman's needs.
She's a woman. You're a rabbi. She's a Samaritan, your people's hated race. You have a calling to fulfill as the promised Messiah, deliverer of your people. It's lunch time! She's unfaithful. How could you associate with her? Think of your reputation!
He smashes through the wall and meets the woman. He sees her. He knows her. He speaks into her heart. He gives her hope and a future. She's set free. She spreads the Good news of this hero who has dared to take on the walls of pride to meet her where she is.
What are the thoughts and notions that would dare keep you and I from reaching out to those in need?
Gender? Politics? Sexual orientation? Personal safety? Denomination alliances? Team or school affiliations? Personal preferences? Socio-economic status? Skin color? Thoughts of inadequacy? "I just don't want to!"
"...do not think more highly of yourself than you ought."
"...have the same attitude as Christ..."
"...in humility, consider others better than yourself."
"I must become greater. He must become less."
Jesus--"I have food that you know nothing of. My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work."
