This week, we learned about a surprising conversation Jesus had at a well—and how it teaches us about kindness, courage, and God’s love for everyone.

Jesus and his disciples had been walking for a long time and were hot and tired. Around noon, they stopped near a well in Samaria. While the disciples went to find food, Jesus sat by the well to rest (John 4:6–8). That’s when a Samaritan woman came to get water.

Jesus surprised her by saying, “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7). This might sound simple, but back then, Jewish people didn’t usually speak to Samaritans, and men didn’t talk to women they didn’t know. The woman was shocked and asked, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9).

But Jesus didn’t care about those social rules—He cared about her heart. He replied, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (John 4:10).

They talked more, and Jesus explained that the water from the well would only quench thirst for a little while, but “whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13–14).

Jesus showed the woman that she mattered—that God saw, knew, and loved her. He even told her something He hadn’t revealed to many others: “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” (John 4:26), meaning He is the promised Savior.

This story reminds us that Jesus welcomed everyone. He didn’t follow unfair rules that kept people apart—He broke through those walls with compassion. And He calls us to do the same.

What We Learned:
• Jesus showed kindness and respect to someone others ignored.
• God’s “living water” is His love and grace—and it never runs out.
• Jesus teaches us to love others the way He does: fully and without limits.

Hope to see you in church this Sunday! Everyone is welcome—just like the woman at the well.

This Sunday, we learned about Zacchaeus! Do you remember the song about him? Vickie and I sure did, and we sang it with the kids!

But Zacchaeus wasn’t just a fun song—he was a real person with a big problem. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, which meant he collected money from people to give to the Roman government. But in those days, tax collectors were allowed to take extra money for themselves, and many of them did—including Zacchaeus. Because of this, most people didn’t like him.

One day, Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ town. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but there was a problem—he was too short to see over the crowd! So he did something unusual for a grown man—he ran ahead and climbed a tree. In those times, it wasn’t considered very dignified for an important man like Zacchaeus to run or climb trees, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to see Jesus!

Then something amazing happened. When Jesus reached the tree, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down right now. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5) Everyone was shocked! Why would Jesus want to visit a tax collector?

But Jesus’ kindness changed Zacchaeus’ heart. Zacchaeus promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated—four times what he had taken!

At first, Zacchaeus seemed like the story’s hero because he made things right. But the real hero is Jesus. Jesus saw Zacchaeus for who he could be, not just who he had been. He reminded everyone that God’s love is for everyone—even those who have made mistakes.

What We Learned

• Jesus loves and accepts everyone, no matter their past.
• When we truly follow Jesus, it changes us for the better.
• We should treat others with kindness and fairness.

Challenge for the Week: Find a way to show kindness to someone who may feel left out, just like Jesus did with Zacchaeus!

See you in church on Sunday!