Uncanny Communion

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.”  He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.  The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.  She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” -John 4:7-9

Why indeed....

Jesus was mirroring worth back to this woman who was void of any sense of value...He didn't just bombard her with what He had to give, He allowed her the dignity of feeling that she too had something to offer...

We see here the King of kings seeking a point of connection with this Samaritan, creating a common ground:

Both Jesus and the woman were thirsty.

...Such a simple starting point.  The Living Water Himself could've lorded it over her but chose instead a path of humility into her heart, a door through which could flow the refreshing she so desperately needed.

Time and time again, Jesus exhibited this example of deference to the displaced and downtrodden.  He easily fraternized with frailty and fragility.  He related to the ruffians and ragamuffins of this world with respect and easy comraderie, reflecting to them their treasured status in Heaven.

Not just once, but over and over, He made Himself of "no reputation", taking the form of a servant.  His existence here was spent seeking out sinners; not to judge them, not to berate them, not to beat them further down, but to lift them up, to look them in the eyes so they could see the grace in His.

Here I sit in stunned silence, centuries later, at the same well; My ego is dealt a leveling yet liberating blow as I lean in, incredulous, and once again hear Heaven's request, as another Samaritan heard so long ago,

Please give me a drink. 

I look around to see which of the "least of these" He could be addressing, only to find His gaze resting on me. 

Laying aside pretense and pious pose, I drink long at this cup of communion with Christ.  Together we quench our thirst at this well;

mine for Him, and His for me.    

  

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men."

-Phillipians 2:5-7