John –Faith in God’s Promises – Faith
accepts Jesus promise of eternal life.
Jesus promises to give living water to
a Samaritan woman to whom he reveals Himself as the Messiah.
This reading gives an insight into the
human-divine Jesus. The dual nature of Jesus Christ. WE see His humanity. He is
tired from walking and thirsty from the noonday heat. Like any of us, He asks
for a drink of water. WE also see His divinity as He offers living water.
Our lesson shows us that Jesus has
universal views. He cannot be localized nor sectarianized. He breaks down the
gender barrier by speaking to a Samaritan woman. He breaks through the moral
problem by accepting a woman of a doubtful character. He does not isolate himself
from a sinner. His concept of God and of worship has not bounds. God as spirit
can be worshiped anywhere in spirit and in truth.
Salvation has its roots in the history
of the Hebrews. It began with Abraham. Through the centuries, God has been writing
a salvation history through words and events culminating in Jesus. The New
Testament cannot be fully understood apart from the Old Testament,
Jesus makes no rules about proper
worship. The only two requirements are spirit and truth. Worship does not
depend on outward forms but on the promises of Jesus Christ found in the truths
of God’s Word.
Heavenly
Father, it is your glory always to have mercy. Bring back all who have erred
and strayed from your ways; lead them again to embrace in faith the truth of
your Word and to hold it fast.[2]
Collect
for Friday of the week of Lent1: Father,
without you we can do nothing. By your Spirit, help us to know what is right
and to be eager in doing your will. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you and thee Holy Spirit, one God, forever
and ever. [3]
03 March, 2023
[1]
The Crucifixion, Schnorr
von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is
limited to personal and congregational use.
[2]
Collect for Lent 2, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
St. Louis
[3]
Collect for Friday of the week of Lent 1, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For
and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau,
Delhi, NY
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