T
eacher, eat something.” It was John. Jesus had hardly noticed the return of his friends, laden with food from Sychar.
Still thinking of the woman he said to John, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”
His colleagues were struck by this, “Could someone have brought him food?” said they among themselves.
“My food,” said Jesus, his thoughts still followed her, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” Sometimes it seemed Jesus was just plain exasperating. They had traveled hard all day. It had been a hot day. Doubtless, a substantial amount of collective body fat had evaporated among the thirteen of them over the hot, dusty, twenty miles they had hiked. It was time now for rest, for the satiation of hunger, for wine and upon finding a proper inn, of sleep. Sleeping under the stars had its benefits, but there were few things more pleasant than good food after a days’ work, wine — especially wine — and a gentle bed. Yet, Jesus would not give it up. He could not leave an opportunity to “teach something” go by. What was it this time; oh yes, he preferred “to do the will of him who sent me” than a savory piece of lamb.
Ignoring the spiritual abyss between himself and the men, he continued,“Does not the farmer look at his newly planted fields and say, ‘Four months more and then comes the harvest’?” Then waving his hand toward those traveling the road, the swaying jars on the heads of women, the men of commerce, the donkeys, camels and families on outings, he said with enthusiasm, “ I tell you, look at this! “Open your eyes now and look at these fields! They are ripe already for harvest.” Her heart was so ripe! “Now the reaper draws his wages. Now he harvests the crop for eternal life. Now the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” Joy filled his heart as he spoke. “The old saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. You men have it easy. You haven’t planted. You haven’t turned even one spade of soil. You reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work. You reap the benefits of their labor.” Such words stung from the Master. The men felt that they had been attacked. Yet they knew he was right. Somehow, they must trust him to see, to feel beyond their sensate needs. Somehow, these men must learn to see beyond themselves.
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of Miriam’s witness. Yes, did we not tell you? Her name was Miriam, The song she sang, the dance she danced was a dance of freedom, of liberty, totally, utterly believable . . .
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously . . .
So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he did. He stayed two days. Because of his words many became believers. They said to the Miriam, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
