Unexpected Encounters With The Messiah

In John 4 we see Jesus’s interactions with a lot of different people. He shows those he meets what it's like to have an encounter with the Kingdom of God, and it is often not what they expect. Jesus teaches and meets needs in ways that surprise everyone around Him.

The Samaritan woman expected a hostile response from a Jewish man, but she received a personal encounter from the awaited Messiah. The Disciples didn't expect to find Jesus chatting with a Samaritan woman, but they received an object lesson in receiving spiritual nourishment – “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (vs 34). The townsfolk seemed surprised to see the changed woman after an encounter with Jesus, but they believed for themselves after encountering His teachings firsthand – “we know that this man really is the Savior of the world” (vs 42). The royal official with the sick child expected Jesus to come and perform a miracle but had to trust that his son could be healed with a word – “Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.” (vs 53).

What’s our reaction when we encounter Jesus in ways we don't expect? Are challenges different from, or more difficult than what you imagined? Are prayers not being answered the way you would like them to be? When we watch Jesus meet needs in unexpected ways, we realize that God is moving even when we don’t see it, and we trust that He has our best interest in mind.

Throughout these interactions, Jesus didn’t hesitate to reprove those who needed it. He called them to repentance - directly or indirectly - based on their situation. Jesus met them where they were, and he meets us where we are, but he doesn't let us stay there. The expectation for us is the same: an encounter with Jesus should bring faith and repentance. The Samaritan woman needed to hear about her five husbands. The disciples needed to snap out of their carnal mindset. The people following Jesus sought signs but needed spiritual nourishment. The royal official needed even greater faith.

An encounter with Jesus may not always be what we expect, but it is always what we need. Let’s respond faithfully to Jesus’s message as the Samaritans did.