Podcasts about samaritan

In this episode we watch Jesus do what Luther says Christ always does: use the law to uncover real sin, then speak a promise that creates faith, revealing himself as the great “I am” who gives living water as pure grace. As the Samaritan woman leaves her jar behind and confesses him Savior of the world, we see that true worship isn't about the right mountain but about the Spirit delivering Christ through his Word—salvation from the Jews, and for the nations.GOSPEL John 9:1-411 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes, 7 saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some were saying, "It is he." Others were saying, "No, but it is someone like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." 10 But they kept asking him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" 11 He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' Then I went and washed and received my sight." 12 They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, "He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?" And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened." He said, "He is a prophet."18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" 20 His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, "Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner." 25 He answered, "I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see." 26 They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" 27 He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?" 28 Then they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In today's Gospel Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. The woman's need to visit the well every day is a symbol of her fundamental thirst for love (which is also evidenced in her having had five previous husbands and a current live-in boyfriend -- she is looking for love in all the wrong places)! But, after encountering Jesus, she goes back to town and leaves her water jug at the well, a symbol of her thirst having been quenched. She won't need to keep returning to the water that does not satisfy (nor to the men who did not satisfy). She has found the living water! And the One for whom she has always been searching.

Year A – Third Sunday in Lent– March 8, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd Exodus 17:1-7 John 4:1-42 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who is truly the Savior of the world. Amen. *** Many… many years ago, Bill and I had the privilege of attending my friend's wedding… she and her partner got married in the Valley of Fire in the Grand Canyon… at sunset. It was… spectacular!   Our little party was delivered to this magical location on helicopters, which flew us through the Canyon, across the incredible landscape that just… stretched on for as far as I could see.   As we flew, the walls of the Canyon were on either side of us, and yet, my brain couldn't make sense of the scale. Then the pilot pointed out a little dark spec that was way under us… he said, "That's the other helicopter."   Those four words… radically changed my perspective. I mean… sure, I could see that the place was well worth the title of 'Grand,' …but suddenly, 'Grand' couldn't even contain the full scope of where we were.   Nothing could… I don't think there is any word in our language that can truly encapsulate the landscape… the magnitude… of what we call… The Grand Canyon.   And the same is true… about God's love.   God's love is so grand… so deep and wide and never ending… that we bump up against the same inability to fully wrap our minds around the full scope… the full scale of what it really means… that God so loved the world.   On that helicopter… I didn't even begin to understand how big that landscape was until the pilot showed me what it meant… until he gave me a new perspective and showed me how Grand it really was.   And that's what's happening in our text today… Jesus is showing the disciples what it means… that God so loved the world.   Telling them isn't going to be enough… he must show them… which is why it was necessary for them to go through Samaria. Verse 4.   Our translation reads, "But he had to go through Samaria." …the Greek word is stronger than that, though… It was 'necessary' …it was imperative that he go through Samaria.   Why? …they were traveling north from Judea to Galilee… and Samaria is between those two places. But, as the text points out… something that everyone at the time would have understood… very clearly… the Jews and the Samaritans do not associate with each other.   It was an ancient family feud… they have the same ancestors… but different theology around the critical question of… where is God found?   For the Jewish people, God was found in the Temple in Jerusalem… in the Holy of Holies. That's where they went to worship.   For the Samaritans, God was found high on the top of Mount Gerizim. That's where they went to worship.   They had other differences as well, but this was the most pressing theological question of their time... the question that went back to the time of Moses, in the wilderness of Sin, when they were dying of thirst… Where is God? Is the Lord among us or not?   These are heavy questions… and modern denominations have split apart for less.   So, to avoid the tension and the feud, Jewish people traveling from Judea to Galilee would have taken the road that ran along the Jordan River Valley. They would not have climbed through the mountains of Samaria.   So why… why was it necessary for them to go through Samaria?   It was necessary… because Jesus needed to show his disciples the full scale and scope of his ministry… he needed to give them a new perspective.   Jesus needed to challenge their assumptions about who is in and who is out… he needed to widen their understanding of what sort of people Jesus was seeking… about whom he loved.   So he took them to the very place they would have assumed was excluded. Samaria.   Jesus needs to go there to find his first witness… he needs to find her… the unnamed, unmarried, powerless, Samaritan woman… discarded or widowed five times over… now living with the brother of her late husband in a Levirate marriage.   She is a nobody… an outsider among religious outsiders… visiting the well when no one else would have been there… at the hottest… and brightest time of the day.   Remember what I said about day and night in the Gospel of John?   She's there when the sun is at its brightest… and with this woman… Jesus proceeds to have the longest recorded conversation that he has with anybody… in any of the four gospels.   It was necessary for him to go through Samaria… to find… her.   Now, like anyone who talks to Jesus, she doesn't fully understand him at first, but she sticks with it… and she trusts him with her truth.   So, in response to her faith and her growing understanding around the coming Messiah… he shares his truth… He is… the I AM… the Great I AM… the same I AM from the burning bush and Moses…   I know our translation says that Jesus replies, "I am he" …but that's just added grammar for verbal flow. Jesus' response to her is only… I AM. …and his statement holds the power and weight of all the other I AM statements.   He reveals his true identity to her… before any of the disciples figured it out. And in her joy, she left her water jar at the well to run to share the good news with her neighbors…   She told them of her experience… of her encounter with this man… she shared her wondering… "He cannot be the Messiah, can he?"   And she invited them to come and see… come and meet him… come, and hear from him yourself. She shared her witness… her testimony… and then invited them to come and experience him for themselves.   And because of her witness, her town became followers of Jesus… and were the first to recognize that he was truly… the Savior of the world.   This… out-of-the-way place… in Samaria.   Its… incredible. And this is only chapter four! Jesus hasn't hardly done anything yet!   He was identified by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God, come to take away the sin of the world. …then he called his first disciples…   …and they enjoyed a party at the Wedding at Cana, where, thanks to some strong encouragement from his mother, Mary, Jesus ensured there would be plenty of the very best wine for the happy couple and their guests.   After that, Jesus went to the Temple, where he… caused a scene. The other gospels have this Temple scene happening at the end of his ministry.   John, however, has it at the beginning… it gives Jesus quite the reputation.   And then Nicodemus came to visit him… at night. That's really all that has happened until this point, when he started heading back to Galilee and said it was necessary for them to go through Samaria.   Jesus was still seeking someone he could entrust his identity to… so he went to find this woman.   She taught the disciples… as she teaches us… how to be a witness… how to share our stories of encounter with God… with our Savior, Jesus Christ.   We don't need to fully understand every moment of meaning… only that meeting Jesus is to encounter God… the Holy Spirit… the Divine among us… and to be in relationship with him brings salvation.   We don't have to convince others… Jesus can do that… we just need to invite people to come and see… come and encounter a love so pure and inclusive, that it's hard to wrap our minds around.   Jesus was also seeking to demonstrate to his disciples… to give them a new perspective of just how grand God's love really was.   He needed to push all the boundaries and prejudices they held… and choose the most unlikely person to be the first one with whom he shared his truth.   She was his first witness… the first evangelist… starting the first church… first worshipping community… who understood that the answer to the most pressing theological question of their time… Where is God?   …that the answer was, God is with us, wherever we are.   Jesus needed to give them all some perspective… and we still need that today.   We like to draw boundaries… we like to know who's in and who's out… We like to think that this is all something we can fully wrap our minds around and have some certainty about it. …especially when it comes to God's approval… and God's love.   But it's hard to hold that kind of scope and scale in our minds… so we need this constant reminder… this continual renewal of our perspective… this pointing out of those people that we might be tempted to exclude…   God's love includes them, too.   For God so loved the world… will always be so much bigger than we can imagine, which is good news… because it means that no matter what, everyone is in.   Amen.      

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflection from Fr. JimCLICK HERE for the 90 second video overview of the Week AheadCLICK HERE for our Lent Webpage JOHN 4: 5-42 (Shortened)So Jesus came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)Jesus answered her, “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.”

Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, drawing out her faith as she invites others to meet the Lord. (Lectionary #28) March 8, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Friends of the Rosary,Today's Today, the Third Sunday, the Catholic Church begins the second phase of Lent with the Gospel of “living water” (Jn 4:13-14): the intense dialogue of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, a foreigner from whom He asks a drink of water.Christ the Lord said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”Pope Benedict XVI, recalling the great teaching of Saint Augustine, explained: “God thirsts for our faith and our love. As a good and merciful father, he wants our total, possible good, and this good is he himself.”“The Samaritan woman, on the other hand, represents the existential dissatisfaction of one who does not find what he seeks. She had “five husbands,” and now she lives with another man; her going to and from the well to draw water expresses a repetitive and resigned life. However, everything changes for her that day, thanks to the conversation with the Lord Jesus……” (Benedict XVI, Angelus 24 February 2008).Today'sAve Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• March 8, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Father and Annie study the typology of the Rock which Moses struck for the Israelites, and how St. Paul could say the Rock was Christ. They connect it to the Samaritan woman at the well, and her coming to understand the nature of the water Jesus offers.

John 4:5-42   Jesus came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back.” The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!” The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you want?” or, “Why are you speaking with her?” Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” They left the city and were on their way to him. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest'? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me everything I have ever done.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

Today is the third Sunday of Lent and we have the story of when Jesus met a Samaritan woman at the well. What does this story show us about Jesus's teaching? Fr. Kubicki gives us a unique insight into this on today's reflection.

Join Neil Epler as he delivers an inspiring sermon about the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, exploring the concept of 'living water' and its spiritual significance. Epler draws parallels between physical and spiritual needs, urging listeners to seek the eternal sustenance that only comes from God. This sermon encourages believers to embrace and share their faith, inviting others to experience the living water.

Our Lenten sermon series, Restored, will trace the saving work of Jesus Christ and the healing that flows from union with him. The healing he brings touches every part of us—spirit, soul, and body—because he himself is our Restorer and our Life. In this third week of Lent, we see Jesus' restorative encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. Learn more about Lent at redeemergso.org/lent "Healing at the Well" Restored, Lent 2026, John 4:5-42, The Rev. Dcn. J.D. Meeder.

"Bridegroom” is one of the important scriptural titles for the Messiah. Jesus purposefully goes into hostile territory, Samaria. And while there, He starts up a conversation with an unmarried, perhaps-five-time-divorced, now-cohabitating, foreign, Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. And so here's the question Pastor Chris asked about this famous encounter with the Woman at the Well: Are there any of marriage or betrothal themes present in the story? Yes, is the answer. Join us as we look at the encounter through the lens of Jewish Scripture and tradition and culture where we will see the Woman at the Well as a kind of symbol of the bride of Christ. The artwork associated with this podcast is titled "Woman at the Well" by Wayne Forte. A closer detail of the work can be seen here. Two other settings of the same story that Pastor Chris referenced were a 6th century mosaic by an unknown artist(s) and "The Woman of Samaria at the Well" by James Tissot.

A Samaritan woman and a Jewish Rabbi walk up to a well - no joke, but rather a sign of God's presence even with those who believe they've been God-forsaken. Come and receive Living Water from Jesus. Support the showVisit us at intheway.org or stjohnspembroke.ca.

Welcome to Trinity’s 8 a.m. worship service. Pastor Eileen shares the Gospel message of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in a sermon about discerning God in all things.

How important are you to God? In His encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus gives us a glimpse. And He shows us how to lead others to Him.

This week's Gospel John 4:5-42  reminds us that our God is a God of surprises. In the story of the Samaritan woman, we see Jesus conversing with someone he shouldn't have been. According to the social rules of the day Jesus was forbidden to speak to a woman unaccompanied- even more so a woman who was not Jewish! Yet his conversation with the woman at the well brought followers to God through her excited testimony.   We as Christians believe that each person is created in the image of God. Yet often we don't acknowledge, notice or truly listen to those around us. Take some time to reflect on our Gospel reading this week and recognise how much might have been missed if Jesus had not chosen to ask the Samaritan woman for a drink- or if she had ignored his request, as would have been socially acceptable? Whose invitation to know God better might you be missing? Take a moment this week to start a conversation with someone new. They might give you a fresh way to see God! Amen. The message was presented by Pr. Allan Taruste.Support the show

Read OnlineJesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” John 4:16–18Today, we are given the beautiful story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. The story begins with Jesus resting by the well, for He was “tired from his journey.” A Samaritan woman approaches the well at noon, during the heat of the day, most likely to avoid the scorn of the other women who looked down on her. Jesus then does something that greatly surprises her: He asks her for a drink of water.Jews used nothing in common with Samaritans, yet Jesus was willing to drink from her utensil. When she questioned Him about this, Jesus responded, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”The “living water” Jesus desired to give her was the spiritual gift of grace to renew and refresh her soul. His divine eyes enabled Him to see her spiritual thirst, and His compassion filled Him with a desire to free her from her many burdens.The passage above might sound harsh at first: “For you have had five husbands…” Why would Jesus bring up this woman's humiliating situation? Because she had clearly been searching for fulfillment throughout her life, engaging in one failed marriage after another. Now, she was living with a man who was not her husband, a reality that left her dry and thirsty.By speaking this way to the woman, Jesus lets her know that He knows all about her, loves her, and longs to fill her with the satiation she has been searching for throughout her life. He does not judge or condemn her; He invites her to experience the freedom He longed to bestow upon her. After the encounter, the woman left the well overjoyed and even left her water jar behind, symbolizing that she was no longer thirsty—spiritually speaking. She then confidently went to the people of the town and said, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?”Each of us needs to see ourselves in this woman. Our sins fill us with shame. The guilt of our hidden sins weighs us down, leaving us thirsty. If we can identify with this sinful woman, then we can also expect the same depth of compassion from Jesus. Too often, we hide our sins, even from ourselves, justifying our actions, downplaying them, or ignoring them. That is not the path to freedom. Freedom only comes by allowing our Lord to reveal our sins to us, facing them, and encountering God's abundant mercy.Reflect today on the importance of opening your eyes to see the reality of your sins. Don't run from your past—confront it, understand it, confess it, and receive the living water of mercy. The holier you become, the more clearly you will see even the smallest sins you have committed. That is good. It is necessary if we want to be healed and refreshed by God. Imitate this sinful woman today. God is never ashamed of us. Let the shame and guilt dissipate within God's abundant mercy so that like this woman, you will know that God knows you through and through and loves you despite your sin.My Lord and Source of Living Water, my soul is often dry and empty. I long for satiation and fulfillment. Please forgive me for trying to fulfill my soul through sin. I repent of my sins and ask You to reveal to me the full depth of those sins. As You do, please give me the grace I need to repent with all my heart so that I can be filled with Your abundant mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Benedetto Luti, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

In this Third Sunday in Lent sermon, The God Who Gives Water to the Thirsty, we explore Exodus 17:1–7, John 4:1–26, and Romans 5:1–8 to see how God meets His people in their deepest spiritual thirst. Israel stands in the wilderness with no water, questioning whether the Lord is truly among them. Yet God provides water from the rock, revealing His mercy even to a grumbling people. The New Testament reveals the deeper truth: Christ is the Rock who is struck for sinners so that living water may flow.This Lenten sermon connects the wilderness account to Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, where Christ offers the living water that becomes a spring of eternal life. Human hearts search for meaning, forgiveness, peace with God, and true hope—but every earthly well runs dry. Only Jesus Christ satisfies the thirst of the soul.This Christian sermon and Bible teaching also highlights how Christ continues to give this living water through the means of grace—Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord's Supper—bringing forgiveness, life, and salvation.If this message strengthens your faith, consider supporting the channel:☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalphWebsite written out:buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph#LentSermon #LivingWater #Exodus17 #ChristianSermon #JesusChrist

How did the “good Samaritan” start? Who the f was it? Ain't it a law too? So many questions “I had to stop and pick up a blood cup”… Fat Boy after getting his tooth pulled yesterday Headlines

Friday, 6 March 2026   So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20   “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Through your faithlessness. For amen! I say to you, if you should have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “You depart hence thither,” and it will depart. And nothing, it will be impossible for you.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they couldn't cast out the demon. In response, Matthew records, “And Jesus, He said to them, ‘Through your faithlessness.'”   Some texts use a word meaning “little faith,” others use the word indicating unbelief or faithlessness. The point of the wording is that the disciples were unfaithful to the faith. They had seen Jesus perform miracles. They had also been given the power to perform miracles. And yet, they allowed their faith to wane in the presence of such a determined demon.   The power they possessed was not actually theirs. It was the power of God bestowed on them to perform duties on behalf of Jesus. Thus, this was not so much little faith as it was faithlessness, even if their faith was also little.   Despite this, concerning the little faith they possessed, which is evident from having been able to heal at other times, Jesus continues, saying, “For amen! I say to you, if you should have faith as a mustard seed.”   Almost all translations incorrectly say, “if you have faith.” The verb is subjunctive, “if you should (may, might) have.” Jesus knows they have faith based on their previous interactions with healing and casting out demons.   Thus, His words now are showing how teeny their faith actually is. “You may have this much faith, but if your faith was as big as a single mustard seed, then...” Next, He tells them what the result would be, saying, “...you will say to this mountain, ‘You depart hence thither,' and it will depart.”   A new word is seen here in some texts, enteuthen. It signifies the thought of “on both sides,” thus, it gives the sense of the word “hence.” The smallest grain of faith would allow them to move mountains. This is certainly why some texts say, “little faith” rather than “faithlessness.” But Jesus' point is that they were unfaithful, as if unbelieving, concerning the faith.   Jesus continues. Not only would they be able to move mountains, but He also goes further, saying, “And nothing, it will be impossible for you.”   Another new word is seen, adunateó, to be unable. As such, passively, it means impossible. The word will only be seen again in Luke 1:37. Jesus words here must be qualified. There are things that are in one's sphere of authority, and there are things that are outside of that sphere.   An example of this is found in Luke 9 when James and John asked Jesus if He wanted them to command fire to come down on the Samaritans. The implication is that they felt they could have done it, but they were forbidden from doing so.   Life application: The words of Jesus in this verse are quite often taken to unhealthy and unintended extremes. People use the words to claim things they will not receive, and they use them to diminish others in their eyes because of their supposed lack of faith.   As noted, there are things in one's sphere of authority that will restrain him from doing things. It was true with the disciples, even though they were given authority to do things, they were not given absolute authority.   Their ministry called for healing and casting out demons to validate Jesus' ministry. This is no longer required. His ministry was validated, and He is the Messiah of Israel. This is not in question from a biblical perspective.   As this is so, we can extend the truth concerning faith to any situation. If God does not want something to happen, our faith will not circumvent God's will. As the Bible tells us that we live by faith and not by sight, it means that our faith is restricted to matters where faith remains faith.   When something occurs because we asked for it in faith, there is still the issue of our needing faith to accept that our petition was granted by God, not merely by chance or by our own power. We cannot go around claiming things, expecting that God is going to do everything we think we have faith to perform.   Using reason, along with proper biblical understanding, is necessary to know what our allowances are. The dispensation in which we live is one that calls for faith that Jesus is the Messiah. The Bible proclaims it is so, and we are expected to believe that. Anything we desire beyond that is something that we should strive for, but it is not something we can claim into existence.   Lord God, may our walk with You be one that is reasonable. May our lives be faith-filled and glorifying of You, not arrogant and presumptuous. Help us to remember that You are our hope and place of security. Understanding this, our faith will be properly directed. Amen.

James Talarico, a Texas Democrat and seminarian, has drawn conservative ire for his progressive interpretations of Scripture, often using biblical teachings to advocate for social justice issues like LGBTQ+ rights and women's equality. He has preached that Jesus exemplified feminist principles by affirming women's roles and dignity in a patriarchal society, challenging traditional norms through interactions like those with the Samaritan woman. Additionally, Talarico has controversially stated that God is nonbinary, drawing from biblical ideas that divinity transcends gender. This approach is dangerous, as it risks distorting core Christian doctrines to fit modern political agendas, just as the apostle Paul warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." WE ALSO COVER: White House explains oil prices. U.S. senator breaks Marine's arm? What's happening inside Iran? By the numbers: Joe Biden continues to lie. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:21 "War" in Iran Update 01:20 Pete Hegseth on U.S. Actions in Iran 03:17 First 100 Hours of "Operation: Epic Fury" Map 07:24 Karoline Leavitt on Stabilizing Oil Prices 09:11 Canal of Hormuz 10:45 Tomahawk Missiles Fly Overhead 12:01 Scott Bessent's Message for Spain 14:04 Mitch McConnell Supports President Trump?! 18:43 FLASHBACK: Marco Rubio on Iran Back in 2015 23:17 The Many Conflicts with Iran Over the Years 26:44 Protest from Retired U.S. Marine Brian McGinnis 34:03 Brian McGinnis' Wife Speaks Out 41:02 Texas Senate Race 45:15 Aaron Spencer Wins Arkansas Primary for Sheriff 46:07 Pat Pushes the Wrong Button 48:15 Kris Cruz Explains his Injuries 53:28 James Talarico Claims there are SIX BIOLOGICAL SEXES?! 55:01 James Talarico Claims Christianity is FEMINIST?! 1:00:03 Update from Woman in Iran 1:05:16 Call from Daughter of IRGC Official 1:17:03 Strange Tweet from Ahmad Hassan 1:24:26 Tim Tebow on Child Sex Trafficking 1:27:01 Kristi Noem on Child Sex Trafficking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider visiting the following resources: The Samaritans helpline: 116 123 Refuge domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 (live chat is also available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *times apply) Safeline domestic abuse helpline: 01926 402 498 Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005 Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (help is also available at live chat at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/live-chat-helpline/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *times apply) Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200 To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/thecriminalmakeup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Filmmaker Penny Lane's 2023 documentary is about giving away one of her own kidneys. Although she didn't like the idea of calling herself a "good Samaritan," she eventually came around to the idea of calling her film “Confessions of a Good Samaritan.”

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Father Hathaway ties in this Sunday's Gospel reading, which features the Samaritan woman at the well, to the upcoming parish mission. For more information about the parish mission, which will occur on March 15-18, please click here. 

Have you ever wondered, “Is God even here?”Come along in this reflection as we talk about spiritual dryness, disappointment, and the quiet seasons when God feels silent. Inspired by the Israelites in Exodus and Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John, we explore the movement from complaining to contemplation — learning to take a “long, loving look at the real.”What if our thirst, our questions, and even our frustration are invitations to deeper faith? What if hope is still possible — even here?If you're walking through a wilderness season, longing for living water, or trying to trust God in uncertain times, this reflection is for you.by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subscribe to the Providence Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! At God Space, you can come as you are. You belong here.God Space is a ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence of Kentucky. Do you want to learn more about the Sisters of Divine Providence? Check out our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.CDPKentucky.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find all of the Scripture readings from the lectionary here: ⁠⁠⁠https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar⁠ ⁠⁠Music credits: Thanks to Pixabay and these artists for their royalty free music: intro and outro music Acoustic Inspire by The_Mountain, reflection questions music, Relaxing Meditation Music by SamuelFrancisJohnson

Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) Father Charles Murr joins Terry Gospel – Matthew 10:1-7 – Jesus summoned His Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs Saint Augustine and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent— including the Israelites grumbling because of thirst, and John's account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University. Supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillarAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 9:00.Reading 1 - Exodus 17: 3-7Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9Reading 2 - Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8Gospel - John 4: 5-42 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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Welcome back to Valdocco! The third week of Lent is here! Join Br. Travis, Chioma, and Vicky as they share about the Gospel John 4:5-42, the Samaritan woman at the well.   Praying for you! Thanks for being here with us! If you want more episodes likes this one, subscribe to join in on the fun! For more information about the Salesian Family please visit: https://salesians.org https://salesiansisters.org https://www.instagram.com/sym_bosco/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesiansofDonBosco https://www.facebook.com/salesianym https://www.salesianlaymissioners.org https://www.tiktok.com/@salesiansofdonbosco?lang=en

When Kirsty turned to a chatbot for help, she was feeling trapped and isolated. Something in her marriage wasn't right - a constant feeling of tension that would sometimes erupt into arguments, even violence. When she asked ChatGPT for advice, it told her that her relationship with her husband might be abusive. In the fourth episode of Tech Tonic: Artificial intimacy, FT tech reporter Cristina Criddle asks if chatbots that can mimic empathy and understanding are ready to replace human therapists. Can chatbots be good for our mental health? And what impact could this have on our human relationships? Check out some of the FT's reporting on this subject on FT.com:Mental health apps: the AI therapist cannot see you nowCan ChatGPT help with a midlife crisis? The problem with AI and ‘empathy'Artificial Intimacy is presented by Cristina Criddle and produced by Persis Love and Edwin Lane. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design is by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts.If you have been affected by the issues raised in this episode, you can reach out to a mental health helpline, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US or Samaritans in the UK. Help for many other countries can also be found at Befrienders Worldwide.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Good Samaritan rearranged his day for a stranger. Mary chose presence over pressure. We practice leaving margin so compassion can interrupt us.Luke 10:25–37And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”Luke 10:38–42Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Improving the relationship between money and mental health is one of Clare Francis 's missions in her work at both Barclays and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. It is also a personal story – Clare lost her husband to suicide in 2011. Ever since, she has been driven to improve how we deal with our mental health when it relates to money.Clare, savings and investments director at Barclays, spoke to Kalpana Fitzpatrick about money and mental health, why Brits should start investing, and how to build long-term financial resilience.Alongside her role at Barclays, Clare is a trustee of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity whose mission is to help people with mental health problems protect themselves from financial difficulties and get out of debt.This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, you can contact the Samaritans. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Join us for Day1 Episode 4224 as Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, proclaims the sermon “Leaving Your Water Jar,” based on John 4:25–30. Set on the Third Sunday in Lent, this sermon revisits Jesus' transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, exploring themes of truth-telling, liberation, and God's relentless pursuit of relationship. With theological insight and pastoral depth, Lewis invites listeners to consider what burdens they are called to leave behind in order to live more fully into God's grace. Tune in for this thoughtful Lenten message of freedom and renewal.

Thirsty? This week, Jesus offers a drink that quenches forever. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy look at the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and discuss how Jesus satisfies our thirst, how he reaches across boundaries, and how this event mirrors some of the Bible's oldest stories.Father Peter's Vlog 10.8.19 (Holy Land Pilgrimage Day 6): Holy Land Pilgrimage PlaylistThemes and ApplicationWhy do you think John places this story right after Nicodemus? What contrasts between Nicodemus and Photini stand out to you?What boundaries does Jesus cross in this encounter? National? Ethnic? Religious? Gender? Moral? Social? Which of these feels most radical in our current context?The woman becomes the first evangelist in John's Gospel. What does her testimony teach us about how faith spreads?Personal ReflectionHave you ever felt like an outsider to a community, system, or church? What does Jesus' posture toward the Samaritan woman say into that experience?Jesus names the truth of the woman's life without condemnation. What would it be like to let Christ see your full story without defensiveness?Leonard Cohen wrote, “There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.” Where are the cracks in your life through which grace might be entering?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsIn the Orthodox tradition, the Samaritan woman is known as Saint Photini (The Enlightened One). How does viewing her as a saint change the way you read the story?If Jesus is the true “well” from whom living water flows, what does that imply about Christian unity across divisions?What would it look like for communities to reflect the ever-flowing nature of living water rather than building dams of exclusion?Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

Mthr. Barbara lectures on Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.

In this episode we watch Jesus do what Luther says Christ always does: use the law to uncover real sin, then speak a promise that creates faith, revealing himself as the great “I am” who gives living water as pure grace. As the Samaritan woman leaves her jar behind and confesses him Savior of the world, we see that true worship isn't about the right mountain but about the Spirit delivering Christ through his Word—salvation from the Jews, and for the nations. GOSPEL John 4:5-425 So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?" 13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back." 17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!" 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us." 26 Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you."28 Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people, 29 "Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?" 30 They left the city and were on their way to him.39 Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I have ever done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world."Support the showInterested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?Email Sarah at sarah@lhos.org or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate

In this episode of Your Week with St. Luke's, Pastor Jad explores the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4:5–42, a story that unfolds at the crossroads of culture, theology, and human division. As part of our Lenten journey, this lesson reveals how Jesus intentionally crosses boundaries of ethnicity, gender, and religion to reveal God's living water to someone society had overlooked. Rather than a story of shame, this passage becomes a story of revelation: a conversation that transforms an unseen woman into a courageous witness and expands the understanding of worship, salvation, and belonging beyond the limits people try to impose. Through rich biblical insight and historical context, Pastor Jad invites listeners to see how Jesus meets people in contested spaces—and how the church is called to follow him, crossing boundaries so that God's love can reach the whole world.  Join us on the free LivetheRhythm app to reflect on the scripture and find community with others. 

NO PODCAST (voice production) this week, as John has been sick and has no voice! So, written comments only. Hope to be back in tune next week!*********************************************************************************************************Hey gang — thanks for the comments and encouragement! Please keep them coming along with your requests and suggestions. I am playing around a bit with the format this week — putting a little more “meat” into each scripture section with preaching notes, some pastoral commentary with application, and a possible preaching thread to tie all the passages together. You can tell me if it works or not!RCL TextsExodus 17:1–7Israel is in the wilderness with no water, and panic turns into accusation: “Why did you bring us out here to die?” Their fear shows how quickly hardship can erase memory of God's past faithfulness. Moses cries out, and God tells him to strike the rock at Horeb. Water comes from an impossible place. The site is named Massah (“testing”) and Meribah (“quarreling”) because the people tested the Lord by asking whether God was really with them. The passage holds both human distrust and divine provision side by side. “Moses Strikes the Rock” from reformconfess.com)Preaching note:This is not just a “don't complain” text. It's a story about fear under pressure and God's mercy in the middle of distrust. Israel's panic is real; God's provision is still real.Pastoral caution:Don't shame people for anxiety, grief, or survival-level stress by flattening this into “faithful people never question God.”Application move:Invite people to name one “wilderness fear” honestly in prayer this week, then pair it with one remembered sign of God's faithfulness from their own life.Psalm 95The psalm begins as a joyful call to worship: come singing, kneeling, and remembering that we belong to the God who made and shepherds us. Then it pivots hard into warning: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” It recalls the wilderness rebellion, where people saw God's works but still resisted trust. That contrast is the point — true worship is not just praise language; it is responsive, obedient listening in the present moment (“today”).Preaching note:The psalm links praise and obedience. It starts in celebration but insists that worship without listening becomes hollow.Pastoral caution:Avoid using “do not harden your hearts” as a weapon against wounded people who need time, safety, and patience.Application move:Give a simple daily practice: before bed, ask, “Where did I resist God today? Where did I respond?”Romans 5:1–11Paul describes what justification by faith produces: peace with God through Jesus Christ, access to grace, and a hope rooted in God's glory. He then deepens it: suffering is not proof God has abandoned us; in Christ, suffering can shape endurance, character, and hope. This hope does not collapse because God's love has already been poured into believers by the Holy Spirit. The center of the passage is God's initiative: Christ died for us “while we were still sinners.” Reconciliation is not earned by moral improvement; it is received as gift and then lived out with confidence and gratitude.Preaching note:Paul is not romanticizing suffering. He is saying suffering is no longer meaningless in Christ because God's love and reconciliation come first, not last.Pastoral caution:Never imply people should be grateful for trauma or that pain automatically produces maturity.Application move:Encourage people to replace self-condemning language with Romans 5 language this week: “I have peace with God,” “I stand in grace,” “I am reconciled in Christ.”John 4:5–42Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and asks for water, crossing social, ethnic, religious, and gender barriers in one move. The conversation shifts from literal water to “living water,” then to her real life. Jesus names her story truthfully but without shaming her, and she stays in the conversation rather than withdrawing. She recognizes him first as prophet, then in messianic terms, and becomes a witness to her town: “Come and see.” Many Samaritans believe, first through her testimony and then through encountering Jesus themselves. The text shows evangelism as overflow from being truly seen and offered grace.Preaching note:Jesus meets someone at social and spiritual distance, begins with a request, tells truth without humiliation, and turns a marginalized person into a messenger.Pastoral caution:Do not preach this text in a way that reduces the woman to a stereotype of sexual failure; the text's center is revelation, dignity, and mission.Application move:Call the church to one “well-side conversation” this week: listen to someone outside their normal circle with curiosity, not agenda.A Sermon Outline: “When You're Running on Empty”Core claim: God meets thirsty people with mercy, truth, and living water.Opening (Name the thirst)• “Most people aren't living rebellious lives; they're living depleted lives.”• Name common thirsts: peace, clarity, forgiveness, belonging, hope.• Bridge line: “Today's texts are for people running on empty.”Exodus 17 (Fear + Provision)• Israel has no water; fear turns to accusation.• They ask: “Is the Lord among us or not?”• God brings water from a rock — provision in an impossible place.Pastoral sentence: “God is not surprised by panic prayers.”Psalm 95 (Worship + Listening)• Starts with praise, shifts to warning.• Worship is not only singing; it is hearing and responding: “Today… do not harden your hearts.”Key line: “A lifted voice means little with a closed heart.”John 4 (Living Water + Honest Grace)• Jesus crosses boundaries to meet the Samaritan woman.• He asks for water, offers living water, tells truth without humiliation.• She becomes a witness: “Come and see.”Pastoral sentence: “Jesus does not expose people to shame them; he reveals truth to heal them.”Romans 5 (Peace + Hope)• Justified by faith → peace with God.• Access to grace is present reality, not future possibility.• Suffering is real, but not final; hope does not disappoint because God's love is poured out by the Spirit.• Christ died for us while we were still sinners.Key line: “Your standing with God is grounded in Christ's work, not your performance.”An IllustrationA healthy family doesn't erase a child's place at the table because of one bad day.Imagine a kid who has a meltdown, talks back, slams a door, and fails a test all in the same week. There are still consequences. There are still conversations. But at dinner, the plate is still there. The name is still theirs. The address hasn't changed.That's the distinction Romans 5 helps us make: discipline is real, but belonging is deeper.Paul says we are “justified by faith” and therefore “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” He doesn't say, “We have peace with God because this week we behaved well.” He says our standing with God is through Christ. That means our relationship is not recalculated every morning by our spiritual performance score.So yes, Christians confess sin. Yes, we repent. Yes, we grow.But we do all of that from grace, not for grace.From belonging, not trying to earn belonging.Concrete Application (This Week)Choose one:1. Name your thirst honestly before God (no editing).2. Take one reconciliatory step (call, apology, forgiveness, boundary).3. Have one well-side conversation with someone outside your normal circle.4. Pray nightly: “Lord Jesus, give me living water for tomorrow.”Narrative Lectionary, March 8, 2026 (Lent 3) the text is:Narrative LectionaryJohn 18:12–27 — Jesus before Annas; Peter's denial1) Expanded Text SummaryJesus is arrested and brought first to Annas, the former high priest, in a scene where political power, religious authority, and fear are all in play. Jesus is questioned about his disciples and teaching, but he responds with calm clarity: he has spoken openly, not in secret. He is struck for answering, and the legal process already feels tilted before formal charges are even set. In parallel, Peter stands in the courtyard and is asked if he belongs to Jesus. Three times he denies it, and the rooster crows. The passage intentionally contrasts Jesus' steady public witness with Peter's anxious self-protection, showing both the cost of discipleship and the fragility of even devoted followers.2) Major Themes• Truth under pressure• Public courage vs private fear• The loneliness of faithful witness• Failure is real, but not final (as the larger Peter arc shows)3) Preaching Arc * 1. Name the pressure — fear changes what people say and do.* 2. Watch Jesus — clear, non-defensive, truthful in hostile space.* 3. Watch Peter — close enough to observe Jesus, not steady enough to confess him.* 4. Name ourselves in the text — we're often both: courageous sometimes, evasive sometimes.* 5. Gospel turn — Jesus remains faithful even when his friends fail him.4) Preaching Notes + Caution + ApplicationPreaching note:John places Jesus' hearing and Peter's denial side by side so the congregation feels the contrast: Jesus bears witness at personal cost; Peter avoids cost by distancing himself.Pastoral caution:Don't preach Peter as a cartoon hypocrite. Fear responses are human, especially when people feel exposed or unsafe.An IllustrationThink about how courage usually fails.It's rarely in dramatic, movie-scene moments. It fails in ordinary settings — by a fire, in a hallway, in a break room, in a group chat. No one is threatening prison. No one is holding a weapon. But social risk feels real: embarrassment, exclusion, eye-rolls, being labeled, losing status.A person can be bold in principle and shaky in practice.On Sunday, they say, “I'll stand with Jesus no matter what.”On Tuesday, someone asks a simple question — “You don't really believe that, do you?” — and they pivot, soften, dodge, or joke their way out of clarity.That's Peter in John 18.He's not indifferent to Jesus. He followed Jesus into danger.He's not evil. He's scared.He wants proximity without exposure, closeness without cost.And that is exactly why he is so relatable.The good news is not “real disciples never falter.”The good news is “Jesus remains faithful when disciples falter.”Failure is real, but it is not final.The rooster crow is not just exposure — it's invitation back.Application move:Invite one concrete “truthful confession” this week:• owning faith in a conversation,• admitting a moral compromise, or• choosing honesty where silence is easier. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com

This powerful message centers on John 4 and the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing a transformative truth: our everyday lives are our mission fields. We're challenged to reconsider what it means to live on mission for God—it's not primarily about serving within church walls, but about being the church in the spaces we already occupy. The woman at the well didn't need theological training or permission to share her encounter with Jesus; she simply needed her story and her willingness to return to the very community that had shamed her. What makes this so compelling is the ordinariness of it all—Jesus was tired, sitting at a well, having a conversation. Yet this simple moment became the catalyst for an entire town to meet the Messiah. We're invited to see our workplaces, classrooms, neighborhoods, and families not as distractions from ministry, but as the very locations where God wants to work through us. The question isn't whether we're called to mission—we all are. The question is whether we'll recognize that our calling exists right where we already are, in the relationships we already have, with people who desperately need the hope we've found in Jesus.

Big content warning for this episode - mentions of triggering material, including references to content promoting sexual assault, eating disorders, and self-harm. Nat's taken this episode to continue the conversation started on Good Morning Britain last week - her involvement with Big Tech's Little Victims. Big Tech's Little Victims has undertaken an investigation into the social media algorithms when the age is clearly marked as a 13 year old, finding devastating promotion and distribution of incredibly damaging content. They're campaigning to change the laws and protect children from the horrendous content they're being served by the social media companies. Nat speaks to people she met working on this campaign, and hears from listeners, too. Big Tech's Little Victims Campaign - https://bigtechlittlevictims.org/ Not a Survival Guide: Your Straight Talking Parenting Companion; Navigating The Shift From Child To Teen by Niicole Howes https://amzn.eu/d/099IRcwJ Helplines Childline - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/our-services/childline/ Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ - have guides for young people, parents and carers Mind - have specific help for 11-18 year olds https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/how-to-get-help-and-support/useful-contacts/ Samaritans - call 116 123 Or other ways to get in touch with them on their website https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We're on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifewithnatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nat's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natcass1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Marc's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@camera_marc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Niece's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natsnieces⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tony's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tonycass68⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linny's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auntielinny.lwn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MORE LIVE SHOWS! 28/02/2026 Colchester, Arts Centre ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 07/03/2026 Manchester, Fairfield Social Club ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 22/03/2026 Leeds, The Wardrobe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 29/03/2026 Bristol, The Gaffe - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKETS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book Club: February's Book - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠anything by Sophie Kinsella ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk/books/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nat's solo chats - any rants always welcome. We're talking big career changes, the constant comparisons with others on social media... and the audacity of teenagers! Scraping the Barrel - SCAN AND SHOP VIRGIN NO LONGER! Bonce vs list! - Are you a list maker? Always collecting for Nostalgia Fest! What's brewing with the Nieces - AGEING & non-negotiables Things we're nagging with Linny about - More lateness stories and some cleaning questions, please! The Tony talks chatter - Keep your DIY questions coming. What are your favourite films & albums? What's the show Tony's going on about? And is there any way they'd legally be able to continue their holiday if that happened on the boat? Cold water swimmers and shower'ers… convince us A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@keepitlightmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt, for this week's episode, in which they consider the readings for the third Sunday in Lent: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 1:16-32; John 4:5-26 (27-38) 39-42.They discuss Meribah and Massah, Romans 1, and Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman.Notes:--Aaron's sermon on John 4—scroll down to March 3, 2023, for the Lent 3 sermon on the woman at the well.--Revelation, by: Flannery O'Connor--Death Resurrection and the Life to Come audio playlist--Reader's Theater Scripts--Lenten resources from Advent Anglican--Dwell App--Prayers of the People for Lent 1--2019 Book of Common PrayerThe Bible ProjectBible Project episodes of imagery of EdenLent: The Season of Repentance & Renewal, by: Esau McCaulley1:01  Collect7:10 Exodus 17:1-725:41 Psalm 9534:12 Romans 1:16-3251:25 John 4:5-26 (27-38) 39-42 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Jesus said that true worshipers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. It sounds simple, but it reshapes how we think about worship entirely.In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany walk through Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 and explain what worship in spirit and truth actually means.Worship is not about geography, atmosphere, or emotional intensity. It is about the Holy Spirit empowering our response to God and Scripture guiding our understanding of who He truly is. What We Discussed02:15 Worship Is Not About LocationJesus redirects the Samaritan woman away from the debate about mountains and temples. True worship is no longer tied to place, but to reality. It flows from the heart, not geography.03:30 Worship in SpiritWorship in spirit is not emotionalism. It is dependence on the Holy Spirit who lives within the believer and empowers a genuine response to God.05:00 Spirit-Led, Not Self-GeneratedTrue worship is not something we manufacture through effort or atmosphere. It is cultivated by surrender, confession, and daily dependence on the Spirit.06:30 Worship Is a Way of LifeForgiveness, obedience, and surrender prompted by the Spirit are acts of worship. Worship extends far beyond singing or Sunday gatherings.09:45 Worship Is Not CeremonyMusic, liturgy, and atmosphere can help, but they are not worship themselves. They are symbols that point toward the deeper reality of a covenant relationship with God.12:45 Truth Anchors WorshipScripture acts as the tuning fork for worship. Passion without alignment to God's Word leads to distortion rather than devotion.15:30 Worship Is Both Grounded and AliveThe Spirit ignites the truth of God's Word within the believer's heart. This brings warmth, clarity, and life to worship.17:00 Worship Happens DailyWorship is not confined to a service. Gratitude, conviction, and faithfulness in everyday moments are acts of worship in spirit and truth.18:30 Every Moment Can Become SacredBecause of Jesus, believers have direct access to the Father. Worship now extends into all of life, not just gathered settings.“Worship in spirit and truth is not about chasing a feeling or clinging to a form. It is about a Spirit-filled response shaped by the truth of who God is.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston

Notes John 4:5-42 Exodus 17:1-7 Romans 5:1-11 Psalm 95 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John 4:5-42, the story of the Woman at the Well. They discuss the cultural context of the passage, the significance of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the themes of transformation and evangelism. The conversation also delves into Exodus 17, examining the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness, and Romans 5, reflecting on justification and the nature of God's love. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives and the call to embody faith through action. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:59 Exploring the Gospel of John 4: The Woman at the Well 08:03 Cultural Context and Significance of the Encounter 14:06 Theological Implications of Living Water 18:44 Transformation and Evangelism: The Woman's Testimony 26:00 Understanding Shame and Acceptance in the Narrative 31:53 The Depth of Relationship in Evangelism 36:05 Navigating the Wilderness of Sin 41:39 Understanding Suffering and Faith 48:57 The Power of Christ's Faith 58:20 The Counter-Cultural Message of Jesus Takeaways The Woman at the Well is a transformative story of faith. Cultural context enriches the understanding of biblical narratives. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman highlights themes of evangelism. The significance of the wilderness in the Israelites' journey is profound. Suffering can lead to endurance and character development. God's faithfulness is central to the message of Romans 5. The call to action in faith is essential for believers. Justice and faith often challenge societal norms. The importance of community in understanding faith is emphasized. Recognizing God's presence in our struggles is crucial.   

In this message from the Unstoppable Force series, Pastor Mary Johnson teaches on evangelism through John 4 and the Samaritan woman. She reminds us that a personal encounter with Jesus and a simple testimony are enough. Because we have been loved first, we are called to share that hope with others.Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPd5YgkJBq4 

This Sunday we come to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Many of us have gotten used to the term "Good Samaritan," yet it struck me this week that Jesus intended this label to shock his hearers. They did not regard any Samaritans as good. It might be more like hearing the phrase "good terrorist" or "good enemy" today. It is a master class from Jesus on breaking down our prejudices. A man wants to justify himself, so he asks "Who is my neighbor?" How far does love-of-neighbor require me to go? And Jesus tells a story in which that man's worst enemy is a real neighbor to him - without qualifications. But this is not a guilt trip. And it is not just a model for us to copy. Jesus is doing heart surgery. Let's talk about his scalpel in "Go & Do Likewise" (Luke 10:25-37).

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider visiting the following resources: The Samaritans helpline: 116 123 Refuge domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247 (live chat is also available at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *times apply) Safeline domestic abuse helpline: 01926 402 498 Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005 Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (help is also available at live chat at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/live-chat-helpline/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *times apply) Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200 To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/thecriminalmakeup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living Water: The Woman at the Well – John 4:1–26 In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane walk through John 4:1–26, the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. What begins as a simple conversation about water becomes a life-changing revelation about worship, identity, and living water that never runs dry. Together, they explore how Jesus meets us in unexpected places, crosses cultural and personal barriers, and speaks directly to our deepest thirst. This passage reminds us that no past is too complicated, no question too bold, and no heart too far for the transforming presence of Christ. If you've ever felt unseen, unqualified, or spiritually dry—this conversation is for you. ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

Episode Summary: Trials and crises are inevitable. Jesus warned us they would come. While we cannot choose the trials we face, we can choose how we respond to them and look at them as opportunities to grow and learn more about God. In this episode of Your Hope-Filled Perspective, I am joined by Lynne Rienstra, author of the inspiring book Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis. Lynne shares how her personal life crisis became a gateway to discovering God’s indestructible shelter. Through her book, she introduces women to a sacred sisterhood that unites modern and biblical stories of overcoming fear, loss, debt, and loneliness. Together, we explore how God’s love and compassion provide a soul-safe refuge, even in the midst of the most difficult challenges. Quotables from the episode: When COVID hit and like a lot of people, I just kind of went under fear. And after a week of not sleeping well, not eating well, kind of like what's happening and what's coming, I said, "This is crazy. "I am a blood bought and beloved child of the living God. "I am not going to let the enemy have any more time in my headspace or my spirit. And it was a time to boot him out and say, “you're done. I will not live in fear.” The Bible actually says, do not fear 365 times, right? One for every day of the year. And that was over. And then I started realizing if I'm dealing with fear, maybe other women are dealing with fear and struggling to find this safe refuge in who God is for us. This is an invitation, as you mentioned, for women to come out of hiding, which is what fear, of course, puts us in, and into a soul -safe place that Jesus has built for us in the gospel. He is so good and so powerful he can actually use the worst of circumstances for our good, which is to draw us to himself and to make us more like Jesus. I've learned how to do this over the years, to identify his lies. And then because he's a liar and the father of lies, you flip them and you begin to hear in scripture and in the voice of the Lord, the truth. So, all three persons of the Trinity have something very specific to tell me about who I am. And that means that his Father's heart is delighted in us. That's the invitation to take off the masks. That's the freedom that Jesus has purchased for us. Crisis comes with a gift. It's the gift nobody wants. I've had seasons of my life as a Christian speaker, as a pastor's wife, as a leader, all those things, where I'm just like, you know, I just want to veg out. I just want to take three hours and binge something on Netflix, or I just want to eat that half thing, a half carton of ice cream, or I just, I want to check out. And I call those my other lovers, the things I go to apart from Jesus, who is our first love, Revelation tells us, right? - Yes. - When we turn to those other lovers over anything, overeating, over drinking, working, busy -ness can be another lover. Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Isaiah 61:10 “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling—my refuge, the Most High—no evil will befall you, no plague will approach your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent. “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him. When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Refuge: Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis by Lynne Rienstra Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Lynne Rienstra: Website / Instagram Connect with Dr. Bengtson: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Guest: Lynne Rienstra serves Samaritan’s Purse as a regional director and has seen crises up close through her travels. She recently navigated her own crisis through cancer. Trained in English at Smith College, she also holds a certificate in Spiritual Formation. Along with her callings as pastor’s wife, women’s event speaker, and writer, Lynne finds joy in traveling, family and friends. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Ashton Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this issue of the Major Spoilers Podcast: Jujutsu Kaisen returns for Season 3, Scarlet Witch claims the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, and Lara Croft dives into danger in Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts. Then we head back to Astro City for Shining Stars, exploring long-form superhero storytelling, legacy characters, and what makes Kurt Busiek's universe endure. Plus, a spirited discussion about why manga continues to outperform Western comics in today's market.   RSS Feed Show your thanks to Major Spoilers for this episode by becoming a Major Spoilers Patron at http://patreon.com/MajorSpoilers. It will help ensure the Major Spoilers Podcast continues far into the future! Join our Discord server and chat with fellow Spoilerites! (https://discord.gg/jWF9BbF) REVIEWS TOMB RAIDER: SACRED ARTIFACTS #2 Writer: Casey Gilly Artist: Antonio Di Caprio Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Release Date: February 25, 2026 Cover Price: $4.99 In order to keep a dangerous and familiar relic out of the wrong hands, Lara Croft must travel to Italy and meet the mysterious, masked adversary who stole it from her. But when Lara enlists the aid of her old friend Carter Bell, his own request for help will lead her on a detour—one that will plunge her into the depths of the city of Paris! rating:4.5/5 Purchase via our Amazon affiliate link SORCERER SUPREME #3 Writer: Steve Orlando Artist: Bernard Chang Publisher: Marvel Comics Cover Price: $3.99 Release Date: February 25, 2026 Wanda Maximoff has been many things, a mother, an Avenger and the Scarlet Witch. But in the wake of Victor Von Doom's fall, Wanda has claimed a new title: Sorcerer Supreme of Earth. The Vishanti, unwilling to validate Wanda's claim, have anointed their own Sorcerer Supreme: Agatha Harkness. After a fiery battle with her former mentor, Wanda wakes up in Limbo where nothing is as it seems. But if she's going to escape, she must first defeat its ruler... Maddie Pryor! rating:3.5/5 Purchase via our Amazon affiliate link JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 3 Ep 54 The third season of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime television series is based on the manga series Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami. An animated adaptation of the manga was originally announced in the 52nd issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump, which was published in November 2019. Following the conclusion of the second season, an unspecified anime sequel covering the "Culling Game" story arc from the manga was announced. In August 2025, it was announced that the sequel would be the series' third season, currently titled The Culling Game: Part 1 (死滅回游 前編, Shimetsu Kaiyū: Zenpen), which premiered with a one-hour special featuring the first two episodes of the season on January 9, 2026. Shōta Goshozono returns from the previous season to direct, with Hiroshi Seko and Yoshimasa Terui [ja] respectively returning as series composition writer and music composer. The season is adapting the manga's "Itadori's Extermination", "Perfect Preparation", and "Culling Game" story arcs. The plot follows the Jujutsu Sorcerers entering the Culling Game, with the main objective of fighting off Kenjaku and freeing Satoru Gojo from the Prison Realm. A compilation film of Shibuya Incident, which also featured the first two episodes of The Culling Game: Part 1, premiered in Japanese theaters on November 7, 2025 rating 4.5/5   ASTRO CITY VOL. 8: Shining Stars Writer: Kurt Busiek Artist: Brent Anderson Publisher: Image Comics Cover Price: $16.99 Starring the adventures of Astro City's most popular heroes, collecting ASTRO CITY: SAMARITAN #1, ASTRO CITY: ASTRA #1-2, ASTRO CITY: SILVER AGENT #1-2 and ASTRO CITY: BEAUTIE #1. Astra Furst, a third-generation super hero of Astro City, is graduating from college. It's a time of friends and family, new opportunities, changing relationships - and danger! Featuring the First Family, the creatures of Monstro City, a new hero team and more on a graduation night nobody's ever going to forget! Also in this volume: at last, the full story of the Silver Agent's fateful journey through time is revealed - including his origin, his greatest battles and his ultimate fate. Plus, Samaritan has his annual dinner with the Infidel, and Beautie, the life-size super-powered fashion-doll member of Honor Guard, doesn't know who she is. Now, she's determined to get answers. Purchase via our Amazon affiliate link At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep Major Spoilers strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today. If you know someone who loves comics, share this post and episode with them! Share