Breaking Protocol

In John 4: 7-9, the Bible recalls a risky discussion between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. When the Samaritan woman was at the well at noon to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” For Jews do not associate with Samaritans." It was risky for her to have the discussion with Jesus; she was a woman having a conversation with a man in public who was not her husband, and the Samaritans and Jews were bitter enemies. Despite all of the risks, Jesus was more concerned about the woman than follow social protocol. At times, we must make the same decision to meet a need in spite of the risks.