Session 2
As Jesus and the Samaritan woman came
together we see a collision of cultures.
Perhaps it draws a parallel to how Christ’s
coming into the world brought heavenly and
earthly realms together. Here, Jesus breaks
barriers of racial tension, gender norms, ritual
cleanliness and religious difference. These
cultural distinctions would normally create a
distance between Jesus and the Samaritan
woman. With ease Jesus breaks this down
through conversation - the building of a
relationship. This relationship is of such a level
that Jesus is even willing to share and drink
from her water container.
Think about it
› › Isn’t it interesting that even asking for the simplest
of things, a cup of water in this instance, can be
difficult to overcome with cultural barriers? In
what ways do you find yourself at odds with the
culture around you?
› › Notice how Jesus takes the initiative in asking
for water, yet the end result is for the Samaritan
woman’s benefit. With relationships you’re
involved in, what initiative do you need to take in
order for people to become more aware of Jesus?
› › In what area is Jesus asking you to take initiative
in order to follow Him?
resonate · issue 29 · page 8
Live it
› › In the next week, approach a situation where
there may be barriers from the perspective of the
other person. In what ways can you initiate change
through understanding the other perspective?
› › Spend a couple of hours in a shopping centre, train
station or public space watching how people from
different cultures interact. What can you learn?
› › Reflect on a relationship that might have broken
down due to a communication misunderstanding.
Were differing cultures at play? What can you learn
from this experience?
› › Go and meet someone from a different culture to
you. Talk to them about where they grew up and
the expectations upon them. Learn from them!