Read Luke 4:3-38.

Midday. By midday, the sun is at its hottest. A Samaritan woman comes to the well to fetch water and finds a stranger sitting there—a Jew. He speaks to her. He asks her for a drink. A single Jewish man talking to an un-chaperoned woman! And a Samaritan at that! Doesn’t he know the rules?

That was probably what a lot of people in that area thought when they saw Jesus talking to the woman at the well. But Jesus didn’t often follow the rules. Throughout his ministry, he showed a special regard for women. Women were among his followers (Luke 8.1–3). They came to listen to him (Matthew 15.38). They supported him—even when his closest followers, men, had deserted him (Mark 14.50). He rewarded their faith (Matthew 9.20–22). Jesus gave women a value and attention that was radically different in the socially rigid hierarchies of first-century Israel. Why? Because the water of life was for everybody. Of that, Jesus was certain.

In some parts of the world, women are denied education and employment, status and respect; some are little more than slaves. But Jesus came to remind them of their beloved status. Those who trust him are his children, and therefore worthy of respect.

Reflect

How did Jesus show his concern for the woman at the well? How did the woman respond to Jesus’ offer of living water? What does her response tell you about her thirst?

Live it

Consider the women among your family and friends. What are their goals and dreams? How can you lead them to the Lord and support them in their goals? Also, think about contributing your time and resources to aid oppressed women in other countries.

Pray:

Lord, you created every person in your image and you’ve given each of us special gifts. Help us to value ourselves and one another. Help us to ensure that no one is denied a chance to contribute to the great work of loving and serving you.

Next: Day 35 of 40.

www.EasterRestart.com

Read Jeremiah 22:1-5.

The court in Jerusalem during Jeremiah’s time was a place of oppression and inequality. Desperate to meet the demands of King Neco of Egypt, King Jehoiakim forced the people to pay higher taxes (2 Kings 23.35). The burden fell heavily on the most oppressed and marginalized members of society—widows, orphans and the foreigners living in the land.

But God had given rules on the fair treatment of refugees and immigrants. They were to be treated with kindness (Leviticus 19.33,34); they were to benefit from the same law (Leviticus 24.22); they were to be helped and supported if necessary (Leviticus 25.35-37); and they were even allowed to participate in the national religious celebrations (Numbers 9.14).

Now, conveniently, the king and his court were forgetting God’s commands, forgetting that their ancestors had once been an exploited immigrant labor force in Egypt. Does that sound familiar? Such behavior is not unheard of today.

Reflect

As a result of Jehoiakim’s oppression, how did God respond? How do you think God responds to oppression today?

Live it

Pray for groups in your community who welcome and support widows, orphans, immigrants, refugees and victims of violence. Find out where in your community special services are offered to immigrants (such as, learning English, becoming acclimated to the community, etc.) and befriend someone new to your neighborhood.

Pray:

Lord, you see and hear everything; you instruct the nations and give knowledge to help us all. Correct us, teach us, bless us.

Next: Day 34 of 40.

www.EasterRestart.com