Revelation at the Well

One of my favorite scenes in the movie, “The Gospel of John” (The Visual Bible, 2003.*) is the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in chapter 4.  This woman’s attitude toward Jesus is superbly portrayed in this movie, developing from cynicism to incredulity and then elation and faith.  This corresponds with her perception of who Jesus is–in four stages:

“You are a Jew” (v. 9).  Just a foreign male who had no business talking with her.

“I can see that you are a prophet” (v. 19).  Someone with supernatural knowledge—specifically, about her unsavory past. 

“Could this be the Messiah?” (v. 29).  A man she and her people been waiting for, sent from God, who would explain everything to them (v. 25-26).  

“We know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (v. 42).  Now the believing townspeople are speaking along with the woman. 

Are there people in my world today who seem like unlikely prospects for faith but would actually respond if I went out of my way to engage them?  Do stereotypes prevent me from introducing Jesus to them? 

*Can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GZ-JYJ-cnU&feature=related starting at 5:35.

The Questions of John

The other day I started reading the gospel of John again.  A major theme of the book  is “Who is Jesus?”  (Related questions asked repeatedly by the people around him were “Where did he come from?” and “Where is he going?”)

In the first chapter alone, I find the following first-hand testimonies about Jesus’ identity:

The Word, God, Creator, Light, Father-revealer—v. 1-18, spoken by the narrator

The Pre-existing One—v. 15, spoken by John the Baptist

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!—v. 29, spoken by John the Baptist

The Messiah—v. 41, spoken by Andrew after spending a day with Jesus

The One that Moses wrote about—v. 45, spoken by Philip after his first time with Jesus

The Son of God, King of Israel—v. 49, spoken by Nathanael when meeting Jesus

There is LOTS more in this book about who Jesus is.  This is just a teaser to get you started digging and listing—and worshipping at the feet of the One who is perfect Man and complete God, who meets all our needs in every way.