Lent 3: the Samaritan woman

Today's readings were Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95, Romans 5:1-8, and John 4:5-26, which was the sermon text.

Today, Jesus dialogs with a Samaritan woman--or does He? Taken from context, verse 23 seems to support pan-religion of some sort. (Riiight.) But take it in context--it clearly demonstrates that Jesus has been God from eternity (1:1), now become human flesh too. He is the fullness of God--the true Temple, the High Priest, the Sacrifice--He is also the Bridegroom, we (the Church) His bride.

Jesus came to save the lost, to convert them to Himself. Not mere "interfaith dialogs." He surprises the Samaritan woman on several fronts. She initially understood His message about water to fit her own interests. Then she tried to change the subject when Jesus brought up her sin (tsk, tsk! so impolite!). Next, He talks about worshiping the Father in spirit (the Holy Spirit, as evidenced elsewhere) and truth (Christ Himself).

Worship = Christ gives us His gifts and we give Him praise with His words back to Him. Jesus the Truth --> worship is in spirit and Truth. Behold the Christ, God's Anointed, the Lamb of God.