If you are following the Methodist Lent liturgy or even the lectionary readings for this Sunday, John 4 – the woman at the well – will be a prominent part of your worship. This story is amazing – that Jesus, a Jewish male rabbi should even speak to this outcasted woman went against every cultural and social rule of the time. This woman was hurting inside. I imagine she had had a hard life – used and abused by men, shunned and spurned by women. Yet she knew things. Things about her religion, the Messiah, worship. Jesus approached her. She could let go of her pain and focus on His request, His need, feel useful and accepted. Even when it was apparent He knew exact embarrassing details of her life – painful things – He still cared. He took her pain away and replaced it with joy.
Today is the 127th anniversary of the registration of Aspirin as a trademark painkiller. How many lives have been transformed by this chemical compound? Jesus can relieve our spiritual pain – whatever its cause or duration. He fills us with joy that bubbles over until others are affected and want to know Him too.