Real Hope: Jesus the UnexpectedUddrag

## Crossing The Divides Hot, dusty and tired, Jesus the Jewish Rabbi sits by a well in the noon heat. Unexpectedly (being uncommon to draw water during the heat of the day, by oneself) a Samaritan woman comes to draw water. Crossing cultural and social norms, the Rabbi asks for a drink. The resulting conversation not only transforms her life, but the lives of many from her hometown. Her previous promiscuous reputation is now redundant. She is now the one who introduced her people to the Saviour of the world. What an unexpected turn of events. At the centre of it all is Jesus – this Jewish Rabbi claiming to be the Messiah. The servant King, who made a way for the marginalised Samaritans to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. These events and interactions serve as a prime example to the unexpected nature of the kingdom of God. Jesus’ response to the woman at the well gives us insight into engaging those the world has cast aside. Like Jesus did, are we willing to cross cultural and social divides to deliver love and life to those around us? Then Jesus declared, ‘I, the one speaking to you – I am he’ (John 4:26 NIV). #### Written by DRUVI PERERA