John 4 (NRSV)

⁹The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)

Who Says That You’re Illegitimate??? 

The Samaritan woman, who is commonly referred to as the “woman at the well”, asks a telling question in John 4:9. Her question, in fact, is a rhetorical one. It is more statement than query. Within her words is a commentary on the status of women, as well as, relations between the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.

The Bible tells us that a rift had developed between the twelve tribes of Israel after the death of King Solomon. Because the tribes couldn’t all agree on a leader, ten tribes formed the Kingdom of Israel (Samaritans) and the remaining tribes of Benjamin and Judah formed the Kingdom of Judah (Jews). Over time, for various reasons, the people of Judah would not recognize the Samaritans as Jews. In other words, the Jews regarded them as illegitimate and would have no dealings with them. Additionally, at that time, a rabbi, which Jesus was, was not supposed to speak to a woman in public. Here we have another question of legitimacy. Those were the issues implicit in the “woman at the well’s” question.

Nevertheless, Jesus does not address gender status or the rift between kingdoms directly, but instead He advocates a relationship with Him — the King of Kings (Verse 10). Rather than responding to social or political issues, Jesus recognized the needs of a woman who had been married five times and who was presently with a man to whom she was not married. Because she had to face the charge of illegitimacy on at least two fronts — one of ethnicity and another of gender, she was in need of validation. So it is that Jesus affirmed her by confronting them both. He did this by not only speaking to a woman in public, but a Samaritan woman at that.

Likewise, when Jesus died on Calvary, He abolished the notion that we are illegitimate for any reason. He legitimated and affirmed us. So, if society has labeled you as illegitimate because of your ethnicity, gender, economic status, sexual orientation, health status, mental or physical disability, the circumstances of your birth, etc., know that Christ’s death has validated you as one of God’s children. And Christ’s validation says that you are no less than anyone else. You are valued and your life has meaning.

Prayer 

God Almighty, we give thanks that redemption through Christ has resulted in a seal of approval that indicates that we are legitimate and that we have worth. Amen.

Thought for the day 

God Almighty, we give thanks that redemption through Christ has resulted in a seal of approval that indicates that we are legitimate and that we have worth. Amen.