How Jesus handled racism, women’s equality, and sin. It’s all demonstrated in John 4:1-42 when he interacts with a Samaritan woman at a well. She was first a woman, second a Samaritan and lastly a sinner. But Jesus invited her into a life changing redemptive relationship.
How Jesus handled racism, women’s equality, and sin. He treated a Samaritan as a person rather than an ethnic group
Racism is not new. Samaritan’s and Jews were two ancient, ethnic groups with a long history of animosity for one another. Although they had a common heritage, Jews considered Samaritans unclean because they were interracially mixed. In fact, some Jewish religious leaders traveled roads that went around Samaria even when the road through it was shorter.
He acted like he expected to meet the Samaritan women at the well and was keeping an appointment. And when she arrived with her water container, he initiated the conversation.
She acted surprised in her response that pointed out their differences in gender and race. But Jesus had another conversation in mind. Because his interest went beyond the barriers of race and gender to the barrier that separated her from God.
“If you knew who was asking you, you would ask for living water.”
Now Jesus moves into a spiritual conversation that takes a personal interest in her. Not that racism and women’s equality weren’t important. But that her eternal destination was more important. And it required addressing the condition of her heart.
How Jesus handled racism, women’s equality, and sin. He didn’t address women’s rights, he addressed women with individual respect
Women’s rights were also restricted during the time of Jesus. Women were separated from men in private, public, and religious life. And denied many of the privileges afforded to men. For example, when out in public during the day, women were expected to wear a veil and refrain from talking to men.
It was also common for women to draw water during the morning in groups. Part work, part social time. The fact this woman was alone at midday suggests she was probably a social outcast. But Jesus didn’t let any of that deter him. Because he cared more about the woman’s soul.
And now he had her attention. She’s intrigued but still challenges him. Living water? He has nothing to even draw water from this well. And she steers the conversation back to race by pointing out their common ancestry in Jacob. Although Jesus steers back to the spiritual.
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
And now, the woman’s deep, spiritual thirst is exposed.
“Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”
She’s ready to accept Jesus’ offer. But first she must confront her spiritual barrier.
Jesus didn’t overlook sin but offered something better
Jesus told her to get her husband and now she must admit the truth. She’s living in a sinful relationship. And while Jesus does not condemn her sin, he makes her confront it. Because sin was the barrier that separated her from God. And the same is true for you and me.
As Paul points out in Romans 3:23, we are all guilty of it. But Jesus is the solution and the one who presents a better offer. And that is forgiveness and eternal life for all who ask for it.
It’s not specifically stated, but it’s clear the woman was changed by her encounter with Jesus. She excitedly told all the people in town and brought them out to meet Jesus. And many of them believed in him too.
So while racism and women’s equality are both issues that need to be addressed among a long list of others. The one few people want to address but Jesus does is sin. It is the source where everything that’s wrong in the world comes from. And we are all guilty. But will experience forgiveness. When you humble yourself, confess your sin, and ask for it from Jesus.
Rahab the hooker. She played a minor role in a Bible story recorded in Joshua chapter two. But a major role in Christian history. Here’s her story.
Rahab the hooker turned from her old life to follow God
As Israel prepared to capture the city of Jericho, Joshua sent two men to spy out it out. And there, the two spies met Rahab, a prostitute. She told them she believed in the almighty power of Israel’s God, and Israel’s certain victory over Jericho. And she strikes a bargain. She will help them if they spare the life of her and her family when they captured the city.
Was this simply about self-preservation or something more? Because Rahab took a big chance in hiding the spies and even lying to the king of Jericho about it. Which presents an interesting moral dilemma about truth telling in God’s service.
However, one thing is clear. Rahab made a full commitment to God. Her actions were treasonous to Jericho and would have cost her dearly if discovered. But Jesus demands a full commitment and warns that following him may come with a cost.
Rahab the hooker was saved by faith
Faith is the foundation in Christianity. It’s where God’s grace and salvation are experienced. And how you live as a disciple of Jesus.
Both James 2:25 and Hebrews 11:31 commend Rahab for her faith. They confirm her genuine declaration of faith in God that she demonstrated by her actions. Something Jesus also consistently taught.
Nor did Rahab have any guarantee the spies would keep their promise. It was another exercise of faith, although thankfully, Israel kept its end of the deal.
But wait. That’s still not the end of the story.
Rahab was redeemed and given a new purpose
After the fall of Jericho, Rahab didn’t return to her life as a prostitute.
Instead, her life changed with new purpose.
We don’t know all the details, but we do know she remained with the nation of Israel. She eventually married a Jewish man and Matthew 1:5 says she bore a son named Boaz, who married Ruth a Moabite. Another outsider who joined Israel’s community because of her faith in God. It was through this lineage that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born.
In other words, Rahab was redeemed both physically and spiritually as a follower of God and became a great great grandmother of the Messiah.
It’s a story of hope for all of us. You can leave your past behind through the transforming and redeeming power of God. When you follow him and live according to His purpose.
Four steps to self-discipline. They are principles that help create a structured lifestyle. And this leads to positive habits and routines that benefit every area of your life.
Four steps to self-discipline involve making one-time decisions
When I was a young seminary student, the pastor of the church I attended frequently encouraged us with these words: “Learn to make one-time decisions.” In other words, make a decision about a regular routine or habit you want to maintain and stick with it. He often used career as an example. Few people wake up on Monday morning and decide if they will go to work. Why? Because it’s one decision they’ve already made. This simple principle can be applied to many areas of your life.
And now, over three decades later, I can say this principle works. I’ve successfully applied one-time decisions in disciplines that have benefited me physically, spiritually and vocationally among others. It’s a simple, yet powerful formula that provides multiple benefits.
Four steps to self-discipline involve taking small steps rather than big steps
This last year I watched a miracle take place. A friend of mind lost 125 pounds by implementing two simple steps of self-discipline.
Intentionally changing her diet
Routine exercise that included weight lifting
She will also tell you her faith and the power of God were a huge part of the victory. Because her journey was not just a physical battle but a spiritual one too.
The point here, however, is that she made incremental changes. Small, slow, but steadily over time. Big changes at once are harder to maintain. But gradual, little changes, smoothly integrate into a new lifestyle.
Four steps to self-discipline involve eliminating old things by adding new things
I enjoy eating cold cereal. And for years, consumed large, multiple bowls of popular brands every morning. But when I reached midlife, I began to feel and see the effect on my physique and alertness during the day. And decided high level physical and mental functioning required premium fuel in my body.
But quitting cold turkey was not a good approach. So rather than eliminate it, I replaced it slowly. I started by reducing the number of bowls and replacing it with fruit. And then replacing some days of cereal with eggs and bacon or oatmeal. And eventually reached a point of eating cereal a few times a month. What? You didn’t think I was going to eliminate the breakfast of champions completely did you?
The point is, don’t think in negative terms of what you must quit. But think in positive terms of replacing it with something better.
Self-discipline involves leaning on the power of God
You have an individual will. And self-discipline requires exercising that will. But I reject the claim you have a power within. Because as a Christ-follower, the power that fills me is the presence of the Almighty God.
It’s a counter cultural approach. And begins by recognizing your human weakness rather than your inner strength. Your dependence on God rather than self-reliance. Your sin rather than your virtue. And the presence and power of God is available to all who respond to and follow Jesus Christ.
So, I unapologetically lean on God for strength. Because he faithfully demonstrates his strength in my weakness. And for that I give him the glory.
How Satan tempts you is demonstrated in how he tempted Jesus in Luke 4:1-13. Knowing his strategy won’t make you immune to his tactics. But will better equip you in an effort to resist.
How Satan tempts you is to attack where you’re most vulnerable
Satan doesn’t fight fair. He knew Jesus had just fasted for 40 days and hunger his greatest vulnerability. So it was Satan’s immediate point of attack. And he does the same to us. He doesn’t tempt you when you’re physically and spiritually healthy. But when you’re sick, exhausted, under heavy stress, grieving a loss, and struggling emotionally and spiritually.
Notice Jesus didn’t respond with a clever reply. Or attempt to match wits with Satan. He responded by quoting scripture.
Does that sound like an easy out? Like Jesus was intimidated and afraid to take Satan on? Not at all! Jesus quoted scripture because God’s word is absolute truth and speaks for itself. Satan’s best reasoning…his strongest argument would not stand against it. That’s why we should both study and memorize the Bible.
And wield its truth as a sword against our enemy. Because God’s word is living and active. It penetrates to the heart and soul. And doesn’t return to God void.
How Satan tempts you is by appealing to your desire for power
There’s an insatiable desire for power in all of us. Maybe that’s why we like super heroes so much. It’s more about the super power than the hero. And Satan understands this desire better than anyone. Because it was his desire to be like God.
But Satan can be very subtle too. By encouraging you to find the power within yourself. To improve. Become your own best version. More happy. Successful. Beautiful. As he leads you slowly, intentionally, and carefully away from God. Away from the greatest power of all…His love.
You can imagine the force of that temptation on Jesus. After all, as God incarnate, he already possessed almighty power. Why not use it?
And the answer is because he came to destroy the power of sin. So he had to sacrifice his life. Which required humility and submission to God’s will. It was not an easy choice for him to make. But he did so in order to set us free from another power. The power of sin.
How Satan tempts you is to manipulate your source of authority
Now Satan shifts his strategy. He refers to the Bible, which is Jesus’ source of authority, and tries to use it against him. It’s interesting to note that Satan knew the scripture. And quoted it easily. But he didn’t accept it for himself. which highlights another reality. You can know the Bible and God intellectually without believing or following either one personally.
Of course, Satan didn’t fight fair this time either. And he took scripture verses out of context and manipulated them to support his argument.
And Jesus didn’t respond with an apologetic argument. But simply by quoting another verse. And it wasn’t just the authority of scripture this time. It was the fact that the scripture reminded Satan of who he was talking to. The absolute authority. God himself.
Although Satan lost his temptation against Jesus, he still actively tempts us today. Not just by manipulating scripture. But every source of authority conceivable. And he twists and perverts them into multiple forms to lead you away from Jesus Christ. Through books, newspapers, social media, videos, TV, radio and more. And it’s not just Satan working alone. But his army of messengers.
In order to fight him off you must cling to God’s word and abide among His people.
How Satan tempts you is to return at a more opportune time
This is probably the most sobering part of Satan’s temptation of Jesus. The determined persistence of Satan. Scripture is clear about Satan’s future. But he is going down fighting. So we should never drop our guard. Because there will be times we resist Satan’s temptations through the power of God. But Satan will return when you’re most vulnerable. Because he wants to take you with him.
And just like God wants you to join him in heaven, and offers you the path by following Jesus Christ, Satan wants you to join him in hell. And he makes the path look even more enticing and pleasurable than following Jesus. Until it isn’t. But then, it’s too late.
Finding your God center is an ongoing journey for Christ-followers. Because we live in a world of opposites. Right and left. Hot and cold. Big and little. And the best location is somewhere in the middle. Here are three principles from Ephesians 5:15-21 to help you find your God center.
Finding your God center involves watching your walk
V.15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,,,
The word “walk” in v.15 is used figuratively and means your personal conduct and behavior. And notice that Paul takes a positive, proactive approach. He doesn’t rag on you about all the bad things to avoid. Or prescribe a specific “to do” list of good things either. But he provides three general principles to follow.
Take charge of your conduct
Control your use of time
Consider God’s will
Of course, our conduct is not completely controllable because we are still sinful. And often speak and act without thinking. But you can be mindful of it. And that begins with your identity as a child of God. Along with an awareness his Spirit is always present for support. You’re also to be mindful of his will as revealed through scripture. Like demonstrating love for others and treating people how you want to be treated. Along with other instructions throughout the Bible that present God’s will.
Watching your walk is both challenging and rewarding. Prayer, Bible Study, Worship and walking with other Christ-followers helps a lot.
Finding Your God Center involves navigating between legalism and license
V.18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
The two opposites for Christ-followers are legalism and license. Walking on the extreme side of either one is like hugging a porcupine. It gets prickly.
The Ten Commandments represent God’s law and are fairly straight forward. And the inspired writers of the New Testament added other teachings we accept as straight from God. But sometimes, we add our own extra rules not spelled out in scripture. And then make our rules as important as God’s law.
This sometimes, leads to pride because we do such a good job keeping them all. Which, by the way is a sin, so maybe we didn’t do as well as we think. But other times, keeping those rules becomes a heavy burden. And God doesn’t want that for us either. Because He gives us grace. And Jesus wants us to experience the truth that sets us free.
On the other hand, grace is often used as an excuse for license.
Because Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9 we are saved by grace and not works. Our relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from the law because of grace. And if you push grace to the extreme, you can reason that because God forgives your sin, you can simply sin and ask his forgiveness. Although Paul reminds us that grace is not freedom to sin.
And he warns about a lifestyle of debauchery which is unrestrained indulgence of lust and sensuality. And just like legalism, can become a form of bondage. In the middle of legalism and license is a lifestyle that pursues holiness and righteousness. Not because you have to, but want to please God.
And again. Prayer, Bible study, worship and walking with other Christ-followers helps a lot.
Finding Your God Center involves getting over yourself
V. 21 Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Entitlement is the word for our culture. Submission the word of God. And it’s not easy. Because of course, you have rights. So did Jesus. But he gave them up for you and me. And says if you will be his disciple you must take up your cross and follow him.
The Greek word for “submission” is hupŏtassō and means to be obedient, subject yourself to and put yourself under. It doesn’t mean demeaning or disrespecting yourself. But choosing an attitude of humility. Nor is Paul talking about political, civil rights. But how to interact with others in your personal relationships.
As Jesus demonstrated to his disciples at the last supper, following him involves a heart willing to serve.
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