3rd Sunday of Lent

Pastor Amanda preached that Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well reveals that God’s living water is offered not through judgment or assumptions about people’s stories, but through a deep knowing love that declares all people good and worthy beyond the boundaries we try to impose.

You can read the manuscript by downloading it above.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your own life do you find yourself making assumptions about others’ stories rather than seeking understanding and compassion? 
2. How does imagining the Samaritan woman’s story through grief rather than shame change the way you hear Jesus’ words to her? 
3. In what ways do you struggle to believe that you, yourself, are “good” and worthy in God’s eyes, even while acknowledging your shortcomings? 
4. How might the Church and your own faith practice shift if grace were emphasized more than judgment? 
5. When you come to the “well,” are you more focused on who you think is unworthy of God’s love, or on allowing God’s living water to flow freely through you to others?

Prayer:

Gracious God, you meet us at the well with living water, knowing our whole stories and loving us still; quiet our judgment, remind us that we and all people are created good, and shape us by your grace to welcome your mercy without borders, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.