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.