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67% of the women in Arizona prisons return within 3 years. Christian ex-offenders need to hear that God loves them, they are significant to Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They need to grow in understanding that their true identity is in Christ, and discover practical ways to change their thinking and behavior so they do not return to their old ways... and to prison.Your love offering will make it possible for Christian ex-offenders enrolled in the Women's Discipleship Program at Along Side Ministries to hear the good news about their identity by attending the 8-week class "Who Do You Think You Are?"Will you help us make a difference in their lives? We need to raise $50 per woman to cover materials, administrative and travel expenses.Please write "ex-offender class" in the memo section of your check and send your gift to: Greater Reach Ministries at:

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Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 5 of 5)

You are catching the final entry of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

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In the book, a two-column chart displays the information below. It considers what the cultural and traditional norms were at the time, and contrasts them with how Jesus, the “radical rabbi,” behaved toward the Samaritan woman.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A rabbi could not speak to a woman in public.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ speaks to a Samaritan woman. Christ rejected Jewish teaching forbidding talking to women.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered woman incapable of understanding religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ though she was capable of learning.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered a woman unworthy of religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ thought she was worthy and wanted to include her in the plan of salvation.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ knew she would be a witness for Him.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Rabbinic law stated that Samaritan women were considered unclean.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition. He rejected Jewish teaching regarding uncleanness.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Religious segregation was normal for both women and Samaritans.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition.Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A man would never drink from a woman.