We Heard for Ourselves

Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that Jesus was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or “Why are you speaking with her?” Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.” John 4:27-42

Interpersonal and cultural misunderstandings happen all the time. Even folks who speak the same language can have trouble understanding others. While in England, we often delighted in the different terms and usages we heard. At Lambeth, wit Bishops from all over the globe, there where many times we had to explain how we do things here and listen deeply to their circumstances and challenges. The disciples were confused by Jesus. What he did and who he spoke to often threw them into confusion. And we who follow him, are also often confused. The good news is that we are followers, and do not have to go this road alone.

Eternal Creator, you guide us by day and night

setting the stars and planets in the night sky

and the sun moves over the horizon by your hand.

We are often lost, confused and misunderstanding,

we want to go or own way and cry out when lost

you come and rescue us, and lead us back home

we hear your voice for ourselves and know your love. Amen.