Thursday, November 26, 2020

Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Jesus' Redemptive Conversations

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 2, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. PHOTO: Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you?
We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.

First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst. The woman then asked a theological question about the location of true worship. Jesus made some quick comments and then moved on to talk about the kind of worshippers that the Father is seeking.

Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. He then showed that her theological question hid a personal problem: she was unable to worship God in her heart because of her sin and shame. If God cannot be worshipped in her heart, it does not matter where she goes to worship God; she will not be able to do so. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.

Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was. In quick succession, as the truth gradually dawned on her, she addressed Jesus as "Jew", "Sir", "Prophet", and finally "Messiah". What a splendid discovery! Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.


How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
We have many opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events (important in their own right), we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.

Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."

We can pray likewise.
Picture posted by Seeds of Faith - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSD5nDxkGv-5Tg6s2b7DbQrM0JaTe9rRTg7o6P9zDgUO8tFaYL-Lf7gGESRDh-Lgxf18BI0W3Gzw_DXBuXl_67pRw3XA3jpZGrkSIuM8z3F5Z2vIquIMZuDtJZXb1i1J78sSXvzcYQQJY/s1200/cph_30119997812.jpg
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cph_30119997812.jpg
https://seedsoffaith.cph.org/2016/12/21/new-testament-2-lesson-4-jesus-and-the-samaritan-woman/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/08/reflection-spiritual-habits-factors.html


Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you? How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?

Reflect on the way Jesus conducted a redemptive conversation. What personal lessons are there for you? [1]
We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.


How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive?
PHOTO: How can we carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive? The Lord Jesus set the example. We read in John 4 about an extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26). We can learn many lessons from it.
Artwork by William Brassey Hole (1846-1917) from “The Life of Jesus of Nazareth” (Eyre and Spottiswoode c 1905).
Picture posted by Alamy - Jesus at Jacob's Well with the woman of Samaria
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4c6syrn9UfUIvqJof3-851vh73A8_8fqMEroHUhxpHgjVS1NykKtOCIq0zM3rDfkitELZMUf9BCybcTCTtvnrrWP3XSfbvx3oWhur1XVJqydHGx9LpxzXgBzeMg5BXXVGTCwo8MMKQg/s1364/jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-G382A2_11.png
https://c8.alamy.com/comp/G382A2/jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-G382A2.jpg
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-jesus-at-jacobs-well-with-the-woman-of-samaria-105283642.html


First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst. The woman then asked a theological question about the location of true worship. Jesus made some quick comments and then moved on to talk about the kind of worshippers that the Father is seeking.


First, the conversation was deep.
PHOTO: First, the conversation was deep. Jesus began by expressing a need - He was thirsty and requested water. That led to a discussion on thirst and water, and the Lord used the opportunity to introduce the water that quenches spiritual thirst.
Picture posted by Želám Ti pokoj duše a lásku v srdci on 20 March 2018
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aE2arXh0v-DJWI__WfTcNAqgiV_gaR41uVHn_UeNyqLQUpR-1Bc2SHlLlK-Qq1N_M1z-7e5QbmcPQt0HbC5wiGD9J1LyIo71GaH_NLQalGcCwpCrcDyh1cKdo-CGSYZA-PjwHRILE2c/s1080/29495931_967236603434837_4132948231808090112_o.jpg
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Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. He then showed that her theological question hid a personal problem: she was unable to worship God in her heart because of her sin and shame. If God cannot be worshipped in her heart, it does not matter where she goes to worship God; she will not be able to do so. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.


Second, the conversation was personal.
PHOTO: Second, the conversation was personal. Jesus encouraged the woman to reveal her true self - she was living in sin and shame. Realising that Jesus somehow knew all about her, she disclosed her true self to Him. Jesus also revealed His true identity to her.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHu_GNZltZgB-MLIal4DhxNkAT6Ls1VxRMrcwjCtdi31Cua-ygTsKCw9foy_Pm18lGgyi0D_AV_LMUz53SEqw2D5LBPVcTi0aJHCxGtMI96GZc-yThXn6jDQ93JmMqJt4BO9wbtgk7_Xg/s1125/124.jpg
https://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hans/wol/mp/r23/lp-chs/wp16/2016/124
https://wol.jw.org/cmn-Hans/wol/d/r23/lp-chs/2016165


Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was. In quick succession, as the truth gradually dawned on her, she addressed Jesus as "Jew", "Sir", "Prophet", and finally "Messiah". What a splendid discovery! Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.


Third, the conversation was redemptive.
PHOTO: Third, the conversation was redemptive. The woman came as a sinner, wrapped up in shame; she had avoided the people of her town by going to the well alone at noon. But after Jesus gently led her to the truth about himself, she finally realised and accepted who He was.  Healed and transformed, she hurried into the town and told the people whom she was earlier too ashamed to meet that the Messiah was nearby, and brought them to Him.
Picture posted by reader016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZHNSmWWviEgDJL9N_qMngFvbqdVpcL3oOzgrzHcOvd3yJPBY28OD2CqPzQxxAtbE6L8YK5b0mXZIh5WLp9Gkx2r1NcbpwGKhCp0Lxtb9ceXIjUKYDjUo1C62782wLbQJ5qNDSN9HCJg/s1318/5b2be8d7ca2f2.jpg
https://reader016.vdocuments.mx/reader016/html5/0622/5b2be8b8aa445/5b2be8d7ca2f2.jpg
https://vdocuments.mx/najveci-covjek-koji-je-ikad-zivio.html


How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive? [1]
We have many opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events (important in their own right), we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.


How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
PHOTO: How can you make your conversations deeper, more personal, and more redemptive?
We need to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs. Beyond discussing current issues and events, we can dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. If we listen closely, we can make our conversations redemptive.
Picture posted by Shutterstock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsmAbtlOcutTRWJo8LpR90ivL565smumDucYdfk4yP6Fh-VPtwV38eEhH4vnWlrwJZm9TIiwV3rmt2QMZ1D-Nf9J6BkUfURbB_GPwHBSKmi4e4e-PWkAURf-8O-8VYbZqv4RQCEruIGQ/s1600/stock-photo-139241090_11.png
https://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-photo-teenage-girl-comforting-crying-friend-with-warm-hug-139241090.jpg
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/teenage-girl-comforting-crying-friend-warm-139241090


Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."

We can pray likewise.


Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words.
PHOTO: Ageing people can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. In the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: "Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander."
Artwork by Eduard von Grützner
Picture posted by Валентина-л on  Saturday, 15 December 2018 at 06:08 - Cardinal with large Tome
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1a8Z3LGKkOOy2lz0oArTQ9FQgSZcHJ7yLAxieTA5li8IlNpnGYrwLxTmRmyycm3JGFd9qNkRzl7yLDrqPu_pSaYG44Dd6NonYDQPsG2phTkZC-sAXAERMcOiJlL2ew2l8U-E0mal0ueY/s1600/1906_Cardinal+with+large+Tome.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXvprMyIy1Uu04o0O5VZFGT3h4tICd_zdKPeOd8YExqMF_whdamVDaSlRhszrqT3ZIgGUOAIOaZkSRLdvr3Z-QPuM8TabT7q6_Ja4K95xbgW8K9jxe6nRqgciZ5HHsT4xnPn9HEjWuld7/s1600/1906_%25D0%259A%25D0%25B0%25D1%2580%25D0%25B4%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BB+%25D1%2581+%25D1%2584%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BD%25D1%2582%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BC+%2528Cardinal+with+large+Tome%2529_43+x+33_%25D1%2585.%252C%25D0%25BC._%25D0%25A7%25D0%25B0%25D1%2581%25D1%2582%25D0%25BD%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B5+%25D1%2581%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B1%25D1%2580%25D0%25B0%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B5.jpg
https://coloreds56.rssing.com/chan-24347902/all_p2173.html


Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, help us to learn from our Lord Jesus on how to carry on a conversation that is good, life-giving, and redemptive. We will have many conversations with family members, neighbours, friends, church members, and strangers. Help us to learn the lessons from the extended conversation between Him and a Samaritan woman which are deep, personal, and redemptive.

Give us opportunities today to hold redemptive conversations, Jesus-style. Seniors possess the life experience and maturity to make a difference in many conversations. But we still need Your guidance to make our conversations deep, personal, and redemptive, by treating others as individuals with needs.

Beyond discussing current issues and events, we want to dive deeper into spiritual matters by addressing personal concerns and needs. Behind what others say intellectually or pragmatically lie spiritual needs and questions, struggles and aspirations. Help us to listen closely, so that we can make our conversations redemptive.

Help us to be ageing people who can speak with wisdom, like Christian sages, and offer encouraging and healing words. Like the ancient Benedictine monastic tradition, each day begins with a prayer: ‘Dear Lord, please help me today to use my tongue in your service by uttering words of love, kindness, praise, and encouragement. Help me to take custody of my tongue so I do not utter words of hate, disrespect, criticism, gossip, or slander.’

Help us to pray likewise.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by Mother Moon / Yasuko *
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
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https://stat.ameba.jp/user_images/20200804/11/runayt227/f7/af/j/o3000400014798932975.jpg
https://ameblo.jp/runayt227/entry-12615530351.html

Reflection - Redemptive Relationships - Jesus' Redemptive Conversations
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Question 2, Page 142.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



Other Books
 
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART III: REDEMPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, Chapter 21, "Redemptive Conversations", Page 139-141.


Links


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