From Jim’s Cluttered Desks, Feb. 23, 2022

We will be using Episode 8 of The Chosen (Season One) this Sunday. Several stories come together. Some are given quite a bit of time in the episode. Others are only briefly mentioned. Each something to do with following Jesus.

I have some homework for you. Read John 4:1-38 before Sunday. This passage highlights the ways Jesus breaks down barriers that separate and exclude people from the Kingdom of God. The hateful division between Jews and Samaritans was centuries old by the time Jesus comes on the scene. It dates back to the Eighth Century B.C.

After reading this story ponder ways that you felt left out, overlooked, or excluded. Who came along to help you? How did those experiences shape your self-image and the decisions you make today?

Now, go back to John 4. Take a look at verse 4. Read it out loud. Look at attached map. Did Jesus “have” to go through Samaria because there were no other roads? No. Why did he “have” to go through Samaria?

See you Sunday.
Pastor Jim