John 4.5-32: At the Well

Yes, Jesus was in Samaria according to scripture (John 4:5-32, Lent 3A). It was in Samaria that Jesus had a somewhat circuitous conversation with a woman about water. Living water, never thirsting, who gives water...all point to the truth that this was a multilevel conversation.

The conversation may be either clarified or further confused when filtered through the brush of Indian artist Frank Wesley (1923-2003). Wesley places Jesus and the woman in proximity to a well and to each other. The conversation proceeds. But there are some unusual touches to this artist's interpretation. Jesus wears the saffron robes of an Indian holy man. He is sitting in the half-lotus posture (a traditional yoga posture). His blue skin identified with Krishna, and his forehead glows gold.

This is Jesus who speaks across cultures and is found near wells in all communities. This is the Jesus who offers living water to everyone - Samaritan women, women with five husbands, Indian women, allThis is Jesus who speaks across cultures and is found near wells in all communities. This is the Jesus who offers living water to everyone - Samaritan women, women with five husbands, Indian women, all people.