Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Surprised (09/06/07)
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TITLE: You Will Follow | Previous Challenge Entry
By Virginia Gorg
09/10/07 -
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Why is He speaking with a Samaritan woman? That’s not allowed by Jewish law, Peter thought as the disciples returned from the market where they had purchased food. He was surprised that no one asked Jesus why He was speaking to a lower-class woman.
As the disciples approached, the woman dropped her water jar on the ground and ran back to the town, calling joyfully to her friends. Peter looked at her, a perplexed look upon his face.
Turning to Jesus, Peter spoke, “Rabbi, eat something. See this delightful fruit we have brought back for your meal. It was picked a short while ago.”
Jesus smiled at the twelve, spread out His hands, and told them of food He must eat.
“What do you mean, Rabbi? I do not see any food.” Again, Peter was bewildered by the words of the Teacher. So often, he didn’t understand and needed an explanation. Yet Peter never considered leaving the Teacher, for He had a charisma that couldn’t be fathomed. Peter continued, “Lord, did someone bring you food? We didn’t see anyone here but the Samaritan woman.”
“The food I eat comes from the Father. I follow His will and finish the work that He has started. You see, the fields are ready for harvest. The Eternal One readies His reaper to gain the riches of the crops.” As He spoke, Jesus spread His arms as if embracing the entire city.
Looking around, Peter said, “I see nothing here but dry ground and this well. The town of Sychar is not a farming community. What fields are ready for harvest?”
“Peter, the food of which I speak is eternal. It is not of this world. My Father in heaven has prepared the crops. Those crops are you and My disciples. The Father has done the work; that is, preparing His children for His message. You will reap the benefits of His labor by speaking the Truth to all you meet.”
Peter sat beside Jesus on the rim of the well. “Jesus, I believe that You are the Christ, yet I am astounded at the depth of Your knowledge.”
Jesus put His hand on Peter’s shoulder and spoke, “The time is here when those who are true worshippers of the Father must worship Him in spirit and in truth. As I spoke to the Samaritan woman, so I speak plainly to you. Do you understand My words?” Jesus’ eyes searched Peter’s soul.
Peter nodded and spoke in wonder. “You are the Christ, the Son of God. You are saying that I must reach the people of the region and speak of You.”
“Yes, that is true. But why do you believe that?”
“I believe that because I have seen You with my own eyes and heard You with my own ears. I have touched You and know that You are real. You are truly the Savior of the world.”
Jesus nodded, a smile appearing on His face. “Very good, Peter. Remember that and do not be surprised at the hardships that will come your way because of Me.”
“Lord, I will endure any hardship for Your sake.”
“Peter, Peter,” sighed Jesus, “I am here on a mission for the Father. The hardships you endure are for His sake, not Mine.”
“Lord, I am again surprised by Your words. If You are truly the Messiah, why do you not take the glory for Yourself?”
“I spoke earlier that I am here to do the Father’s will, not Mine. All I do is for His glory. Can you understand that?”
Peter surprised himself by the honesty of his next words. He found that he could not lie in the presence of Jesus. “Lord, I do not understand all that you say. I only know that I must follow You. Your words often astonish me, yet I cannot turn away from You.”
Jesus spoke no further words, yet Peter felt peace in his heart. As Jesus rose from the rim of the well to speak to the other disciples, Peter thought, Wherever You lead, I will follow. Peter was surprised as Jesus looked right Him, and nodded. “You are right, Peter. You will follow.”
Reference: John, Chapter 4
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