There were no Muslims at the time of Christ; but one group, the Samaritans, bore striking similarity to them.

First, they shared a common history with Jews, as the Muslims do with us. Second, they were socially and culturally isolated. Third, they worshipped God, often with real zeal, but ‘not ‘in spirit and in truth’(Jn 4:24).

Woman at the well

How did Jesus relate to them? In his dealings with the woman at the well (Jn 4:4-42) we see him at work in personal evangelism.

He startles her, first of all, by boldly crossing the cultural barriers, and entering her world. He is not afraid to ask the woman for help, and thereby establishes both relationship and rapport.

Second, he draws on the shared history (Jacob’s well), to create a bridge to tell her about eternal life. Third, he is not afraid to confront her with her sin and finally he proclaims himself as the promised Messiah.

'Open your eyes'

How does she respond? She calls her friends and relatives, who also come to believe that ‘this man really is the Saviour of the world’ (Jn 4:42).

It is in this very context that he challenges his disciples: ‘I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest’ (Jn 4:35).

Called to reap

Today we are called in the same way, following Jesus' own model and example, to ‘reap what [we] have not worked for’ (Jn 4:38) by taking the gospel to the Muslim World. Please Lord, raise up workers for the harvest.