THE GENTLENESS OF CHRIST

            Although Paul's inscribed words to the church at Corinth were authoritative (2Cor.10:8), he urged them by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2Cor.10:1).  As we determine to follow in the path of Jesus, it would do us all well to fix our focus on the gentleness and patience of Christ.  In a recent sermon we noted the kindness and compassion of Christ in dealing with a woman charged with adultery (Jn.8:1:11).  John’s gospel high-lights a second story about another woman that provides an eye-opening glimpse into the  heart of Jesus, divulging His patience and gentleness   

            One day while in Samaria, Jesus met a woman at the well (Jn.4:7ff).  Jesus asked her for a drink, which surprised the woman:  How is it that You, being a a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?  Jesus proceeded to offer her living water - - a well of water springing up to eternal life - - and she was eager to receive such.  Jesus said to her, Go, call your husband, and come here.  She answered, “I have no husband.”

Jesus then said to her, You have accurately stated, 'I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband.  With that the woman declared, Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet).  She later testified to others saying, Come, see a man who told me all the things I have done; this is not the Christ, is it? (Jn.4:29).  This is an image of Jesus that we must come to see and seek to make our very own.   CAN YOU PICTURE THIS?  The holy One of Israel, omniscient and omnipotent paused to treat this woman with gentleness and patience.  For most ordinary orthodox Jewish men, this woman had three strikes against her which would have translated into instantaneous dis-fellowship.  First of all, she was a woman; Secondly, she was a Samaritan; and lastly, she was practicing immorality.  Yet our Lord Jesus was so gentle with her, so patient.  THIS IS THE JESUS WE MUST YEARN TO IMITATE!!!