An important part of baptism is that it grafts the baptized into the body of Christ. We know from stories in the gospels that Samaritans were not generally accepted as orthodox. They worshiped the same God, but held different beliefs about worship than other Jews. These verses show the apostles are carrying out Jesus’ commission in Acts 1:8, where he says, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
It is a reminder that we, too, are to be bearers of good news to all people, even and especially to those we might otherwise think of as unworthy or unacceptable. In what ways do you use your interactions to bring good news into people’s lives? How intentional are you about interacting with, welcoming, and including those who are different from you?
Offer a prayer of praise for the ever-growing, all-inclusive body of Christ.
