There is a deep hunger in every heart to crave forgiveness and hope. I believe that we all yearn for God’s presence in what seems to be a world that has forgotten him.
The narrative John records of the conversations Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well and with the Jewish leader named Nicodemus demonstrates to us that no matter who you are, no matter from where you came, and no matter what your past is Jesus is still the one and only who solves all of your problems. John 3 and 4 should be a familiar text for us that is imperative for John to tell the gospel story of Jesus. When we read these two stories it’s important to read them together and notice the similarities and differences. Notice:
The two characters of the stories are Nicodemus and the woman. One named and one so insignificant that her name is not included, only her gender. The designation makes her to anonymous in some respect but also representative of all women. Therefore, we can understand that what Jesus says to her applies to many if not all women in some way or another. The “woman at the well” was someone in that culture that no man would talk to. However, Jesus talks to this woman who is scandalous, and a Samaritan sinner. It’s at least three marks against her.
Nicodemus, however, is a three-time winner. He is a Pharisee, a leader of the Jews, and he is a teacher of Israel. The woman is as much on the outs and Nicodemus is on the in. However, for whatever reason Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night while the conversation with the Samaritan woman was in broad daylight. Another comparison to notice: Nicodemus doesn’t get it. He says he knows that Jesus is a “teacher who has come from God”, but even the way he makes the assertion tells you that he knows little or nothing. The woman, on the other hand, does get it: “Sir, I see that you are a prophet”. She says that in response to Jesus when he reveals to her the sin and brokenness in her life. Nicodemus leaves the conversation confused and the women leaves with liberation.
Nicodemus and the woman at the well have one thing in common: both needed Jesus and both were forever impacted by His life. They were both in a mess and needed Jesus.
We need Jesus too. Despite the culture of the worldliness of our day, most of us already know that we are flawed, that our lives are full of misdeeds and missed opportunities, and that we have fallen short not only of the glory of God but also of our own expectations. We need Jesus no matter who we are. John’s purpose is to communicate that Jesus is the Divine Son of God who reveals the Father and provides eternal life to ALL who believe in Him. The conversations that Jesus has with the Samaritan woman and with Nicodemus show that Jesus is the answer to ALL people no matter who they are. these two conversations display the two extremes of who Jesus is trying to reach. These two conversations are mirror images of each other and the reflection is that the reader has the privilege of seeing Jesus and how he is the Savior of all.
I love you,
Alex