Jesus the Samaritan, My Mother the Jew

 Jesus the Samaritan, My Mother the Jew

Throughout the Gospel of John, we witness conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders, the religious leaders animated by Satan. It is reassuring to know that our leaders, whether religious or political, would never resort to the tactics employed by Jesus’ adversaries. 

John 8:30 – 59 has held my attention for many years, in that while in 8:30, “Many came to believe in Him,” before the chapter concludes in 8:59, we see that they are “Picking up stones to stone Him.” This is much like John 6:26 – 69, where we go from many following Him, to “Many of His disciples withdrawing” from Him (John 6:66). We ought not to be so foolish as to think that great numbers indicate fidelity to Jesus, after all, Jesus teaches that His Way is narrow and that few find it. 

In 8:44 Jesus says, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” 

It does not appear that Jesus understood marketing (and he certainly wasn’t seeker sensitive), for this is hardly the way to retain followers. The religious leaders respond with yet another attack on Jesus.

“Do we not say rightly that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

What do you think about this charge against Jesus? 

Is it true? You will be graded on this. And for all I know your life may be determined by your answer, at least if we take Jesus at His Word. Why your thoughts and actions this very day may be determined by your answer.

How does Jesus respond?

“I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me” (8:49).

What does Jesus say? 

What does Jesus say that He does not say? 

The enemies of Jesus make two accusations against Him, how does He respond to them? For He does indeed respond to both. Can you “see” His response? 

The first response is a flat denial of having a demon, this is not the first time this charge has been made (Mark 3:22 – 27), but how does Jesus respond to the charge of being a Samaritan? 

My dear mother, who my brothers and I lost when we were all too young, was once in a group of folks when the conversation turned to Jews. What was being said was not complimentary. Finally, my dear Mom, Alice Francis, said, “You know, of course, that I am Jewish.” 

Well, that was like a skunk taking a stroll down the aisle of a Sunday morning service, or like unveiling a wedding cake to find a road apple on the top tier where figures of the bride and groom ought to be. 

My dear Momma was a Jew, she was a Negro (to use the word in use at the time), she was Irish, she was Italian, she was Chinese, she was Cherokee, and she was Puerto Rican. 

And Jesus was most certainly a Samaritan. 

Jesus died for Samaritans and as a Samaritan. 

Jesus died for Italians and as an Italian. 

Jesus died for Venezuelans and as a Venezuelan. 

And Jesus makes it clear, that the way we treat others is the way we treat Him (Matthew 25:31 – 46). 

James points out the incongruity of blessing God one moment, and cursing men the next, men and women and children made in the image of God (James 3:9). 

If we are truly the children of our Father in heaven, then we will act like His daughters and sons, we will bless all peoples, care for all peoples, serve all peoples, and honor all peoples. And we most certainly will not accept lies and slanders which aim to separate people from one another (and manipulate us), people for whom Christ died…has not Jesus shown and commanded us to live in a Better Way? His Way? 

Jesus was a Samaritan. 

Momma was a Jew. 

I am a Mexican. 

What about you?