Love your samaritan

Love your samaritan

Bible: Acts 1 : 1-11

Reading

You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria (V.8).

I ducked into a room before she saw me. I was ashamed of hiding, but I didn’t want to deal with her right then—or ever. I wanted to have a go at her, to put her in her place. I was annoyed by something she had done. But
I had probably irritated her even more! The Jews and Samaritans also had a poor relationship. Being a people
of mixed origin and following their own gods, the Samaritans—in the eyes of the Jews—had spoiled the Jewish bloodline and faith. They had set up a ‘rival’ religion on Mount Gerazim. In fact, the Jews so hated Samaritans they walked the long way when travelling through Israel so they didn’t have to go through Samaria. Jesus showed a better way. He brought salvation for all people, including Samaritans.

So He walked into the heart of Samaria to bring “living water” to a sinful woman and her town (JOHN 4:4-42). His last words to His friends told them to follow His example. They were to share His good news with everyone, beginning in Jerusalem and including “Samaria” until they reached “the ends of the earth” (ACTS 1:8). Samaria was more than the next geographical place. It was the most painful part of the mission. Jesus’ friends had to overcome a lifetime of hatred to share Jesus with the Samaritans. Does Jesus matter more than our grudges? There’s only one way to be sure. Love your ‘Samaritan’.

WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries