Today, I took the road north through Samaria with friends. The modern road follows the ancient Patriarchs' Highway. As we traveled along enjoying the beautiful countryside, I remembered those who had traveled the road before me. We can safely assume that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob traversed the highway that honors their roles.
Jesus must have traveled the road on several occasions. Certainly, he surprised his disciples when "he had to go through Samaria" (John 4:4). The road most traveled by Jews was the Jericho Road and then up the Jordan River Valley, bypassing Samaria.
As we came to Sychar, we found one of the most beautiful churches in the entire country encompassing Jacob's Well. Drawing from the well, we tasted the purest water. While doing so, I could not help but remember the story of the woman at the well and Jesus. It was for her and the Samaritans that Jesus had to go through Samaria, providing living water.
On this day, I am thankful that we too took the road through Samaria. Most tourists and pilgrims shy away from Samaria, but perhaps it is time that they too should go through Samaria.
Note: why not click on the photo to enlarge it?
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