Monday, October 14, 2013

John 4:27

It so happens the very moment when Jesus tells the woman he is the Messiah the disciples arrive on the scene.  Finding their Master talking to the woman, they choose not to question either Jesus or the woman with questions such as, “What do you want, woman?” or, “Jesus, why are you talking with this woman?” John 4:27 EFP

I had almost forgotten the disciples were even around at all.  Last time we heard from them they were on their way into town to find something for all of them to eat.  But now they appear at what appears to be the most inopportune moment.  Jesus has just told the woman that the person she is speaking to is the Messiah.  Now the moment appears to be short-circuited from an outsider’s point of view.

To the disciples’ credit, they resist the temptation to question either the woman or the Master as to the reason they are talking at all.  The questions are quite telling, with the potential question aimed at the woman being much more aggressive than the less-threatening question they felt like asking the Master.  I am curious what happened?  What do they do when they see Jesus speaking to the woman?  Are they still speaking?  Does the woman notice the band of brothers approaching?  Does she notice any unwarranted stares from them?  Is she fearful?  Is the comfort elicited by Jesus replaced with a flight reflex?

All I know from this verse is that the flow is broken.  That’s life.  Even in Jesus’ life experience there are examples of his purposes being interrupted by forces outside his control.  This seminal moment has come to a pinnacle and the moment is ruined by events he does not set in motion.  My immediate reaction would be disappointment that such a wonderful opportunity has been derailed.  Satan uses people and circumstances to negatively impact God’s purposes.  For the record, I do not believe Jesus was flabbergasted or unsettled by this interruption.  He knows God works through every circumstance or situation to accomplish his purposes.  I want to be there in my life.  I have a way to go, but I want it bad.

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