As we read the story of the Lord’s encounter with this Samaritan woman, we marvel at His humility. The Son of God, God Himself, the Creator of all things, condescends to such lowliness. He was thirsty, and probably hungry and tired, yet He engages conversation with this needy woman, setting aside all His own physical needs.

Years ago, the region of West Africa was known as the white man’s grave. It is said that more than 50% of the missionaries from North America and Europe who went there died there from Malaria and Yellow Fever. It is said that some who went, knowing the situation, used coffins as shipping boxes with the understanding that many would probably not return.

What about us? Are we willing to set aside our personal creature comforts to serve the Lord? Are we willing to walk or drive an hour to get to meeting, to visit a brother or sister shut in at home, or in the hospital, or a care home? It often took weeks for missionaries to arrive, crossing the ocean by sail boat, and now we complain about the inconveniences of flying two or three days to arrive.

But the Lord was different. His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him, which He demonstrated that day with the Samaritan woman, resulting in her salvation. He suffered the heat of the day, thirst, and tiredness, seeking and saving this one needy sheep. We see the Lord expending Himself, having compassion on individuals and multitudes alike, sacrificing His comfort for their blessing in order to do His Fathers will. Although we cannot lay down our lives for sinners as He did, we can follow in His footsteps in His earthly ministry. May it also be our desire to do our Father’s will!