“They marveled that He talked with a woman”

Jesus sat down next to a well in Samaria one day around noon, and a woman came to draw water.  Much to her surprise, Jesus began to speak to the woman.  “How isit that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (John 4:9).  I’m not sure if her emphasis was on the word “Samaritan,” on the word “woman” or both.  John commented, “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”  Jesus and the woman continued to have a conversation, until “His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman” (4:27).

An interesting thing happened in this story.  Jesus talked to a Samaritan.  And, Jesus talked to a woman.  Either would have been unusual, but speaking to both was highly unusual.  However, Jesus had a vital message to deliver about “living water” and “everlasting life” (4:10-15).

Are there certain individuals who others would find it odd (or even unacceptable) if you were found speaking with them?  Remember, we have a message to deliver, too.