Reflections on Genesis 49:22; John 4:4-26
Reaching over a wall

Throughout Scripture, we are continuously made aware of the fact that truth transcends time. One such notable example is to be found in Christ's encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well near the town of Sychar.

This well was situated on a historic plot of ground which had, centuries before, been given to Joseph by his father Jacob. Along with this parcel of land, Joseph had received from his father a prophetic blessing: "Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall" (Genesis 49:22).

It was on this very location that Jesus offered to the Samaritan woman the water of life from the well of salvation. By doing so, He became a fruitful vine, reaching over a wall which had long formed a formidable barrier between Jews and Samaritans.

Through this benevolent act, Jesus also exemplified to us the necessity of reaching over the various barriers that exist between us and the world around us with the life-giving message of salvation. He is the vine; we are the branches. It is up to us to extend His love and His grace to humanity, no matter who they are or where they may be.

This one is by Garry E. Chartier of Nanaimo, B.C.


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