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Pause

The table where we meet for meals can be a holy place, one where we gather not only to fill our bellies, but to know others more intimately.

God has in mind a table where the entire world will have that experience.

The Host has set the table. All are invited. So come today whether you feel like a guest or a host. Stay to be refreshed in the feast of God’s grace.

Listen

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)

Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?”

John 4:7-8, 27

Think

Not with “Could you please,” but with the terse “Give me a drink,” Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Tired from journeying, overheated, there’s no question: Jesus expected help from her. She was shocked that a Jew sought help from a Samaritan woman. While Jews and Samaritans shared some of the same Scripture and God, their historic differences in practice had led them to despise each other. In the simple act of receiving water from the Samaritan woman, Jesus was overturning ages of enmity.

The disciples didn’t even bother talking with her. Nobody asked her what she might need. This wouldn’t be the last time they would miss an opportunity to reach out to another, nor the last time they’d be stunned by Jesus’ new vision of inclusivity.

Jesus welcomes all to his good work of grace—both to serve and be served. So as disciples today, let’s work to refresh others.

Molly Logan

Pray

God of surprise, you constantly shake my narrow understandings of your outreach. Help me to both help and to seek help from those around me today, more faithfully living out the wideness of your mercy. Amen.

Go

So, who’s at your table today? You may be surprised.

God’s promise is that everyone is welcomed to heaven’s provision.

We are blessed to be both guest and host in the feast of God’s grace.

Go now to share your bread at an open table.