Allow me to set the stage for the story you are about to hear.

Recall that last week we heard the story of a leader of the religious establishment, Nicodemus, and his coming to Jesus at night to check him out. Jesus ends up checking Nicodemus out, for “Jesus himself knew what was in everyone.”

So in Chapter 3 of John’s testimony to God’s good news focuses on Jesus’ challenge of a leader of the religious establishment, who can’t understand why Jesus says he needs to be reborn in order to enjoy that life where everyone lives as God intends.

Now in Chapter 4, Jesus has another encounter and conversation. It’s the longest conversation Jesus has with anyone in the four gospels. If you were to describe a person who would be the opposite of Nicodemus, you might describe someone like this.

She…