Love Like Him

Sometimes I just love the disciples.  I've been reading through the Gospel of John over the past few days and was really just tickled by the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman in Chapter 4.  I know we've all heard the story several times throughout our lives but this time I read it with special attention to the disciples' reaction to their leader's seemingly odd behavior.

From what we know, the Samaritan woman was a societal outcast, one whom no respectable Jewish man would ever want to be near, let alone sit down and converse with.  But that's exactly what Jesus did.  Not only did He sit down with her, He explained important theological truths to her that we're still learning today.  Why would the Son of Man humble Himself to the level of this shunned Samaritan woman?  That's exactly what the disciples thought to themselves as they approached this mismatched couple.

"Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman.  But no one asked, 'What do you want?' or 'Why are you talking with her?'"

-John 4:27 

Do you identify with the disciples?  I most certainly do!  There are so many times that I disregard people based on their looks, age, background, beliefs, wealth... and though I may not speak out loud, I say plenty with my eyes and my inner questions.  Can God really use that person?  Why would God save him?  Why should I talk to her?  Do I have to love them?

And yet, Jesus loves each and every one of us, and them, dearly.  Radically.  Infinitely.  He loves us regardless of everything else.  He doesn't differentiate between those of us with jobs and those without, those of us who speak English as a first language and those who don't, those who live in crowded tenements and those who live in mansions.  We are no longer Samaritans and Jews.  We are all one people.  And if the Son of God was willing to put Himself at the same level as us sinful humans, we have no right to place our own selves above anyone else.

We are called to love radically.  Not just sometimes, but always.  To share the abundant love we have received from Christ with everyone.  Let us love like Him today.  

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God."

-Ephesians 3:17-19