The Heart Comes Home – To Peace.

Peace within comes from being known for who we are, and being accepted without judgement or a need to perform.

Not a familiar tale after all.

In the Christmas story so familiar to us all, there is one women who gets the most of the attention – Mary.

In John’s Gospel, Mary is only mentioned twice – once when she asks Jesus for some practical help with a little-wedding-wine wonder working (1 John 2:1-11)….

..and a second time, at the foot of the cross, where Jesus asks John to care for her as he would his own mother (John 19:26-27)

Why do you think John does not readily refer to Mary?

Mary as an Apostle-ish.

Apostle (apostolos) appears seventy-nine times in the New Testament. It refers to those appointed by Christ for a special function in the church (Kingdom).

Their unique place is based not only on having witnessed the resurrection, but also on having been commissioned and empowered by the resurrected Lord to proclaim the gospel to all nations.Bakers Evangelical Dictionary

The other woman.

The beginning of John’s account, puts another woman more central.

John devotes almost a whole chapter to this woman’s encounter with “Word-Made-Flesh.”

Let’s read John 4:4-10.

What were the things that stood out to you, as we read this familiar passage?

What did Jesus offer her?

From Genesis to Revelation, God makes it clear that when He is looking at a person, He is looking at their heart.

The heart is where peace begins and ends.

Do you believe peace can come outside of the acts of changing human hearts? Why or Why Not?

Jesus is already present where broken people are.

Jesus is approachable to dirty and broken people.

In the Bible, water is used as much as a metaphor, as it is used for drinking.

In this story, again we see that when God is looking at a person, He is looking at their heart.

The Heart Searches for Peace.

Jesus suggests He is the bearer of living water, even as the women draws from the natural well.

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

She is asking what place is correct. She wants to know what location for worship brings God pleasure.

In her excitement, she runs towards her Father’s house after a long exile in her heart. She then runs to tell others and many believe as a result of her testimony.

Ask God for a Gift this Christmas.

If your heart is restless, come to the well – and renew your rest in the Father’s acceptance.