Jesus needed to go to Samaria. John makes it a point to emphasize this. Although the most direct route from Judea to Galilee passed through Samaria, Jews at the time made it a point to bypass Samaria by crossing over to the eastern bank of the Jordan River and taking a roundabout route. Jesus’ desire to go through Samaria was motived by a desire to do the will of His Heavenly Father. And God was about to do something marvellous in the lives of the people that Jesus would meet in Samaria. Faithful obedience to God’s will over obedience to human traditions, expectations, and prejudices is always the right and better choice.
Why did Jews and Samaritans not get along? This goes back to the Old Testament. After King Solomon’s reign in Israel, 1 Kings 11-12 tell us that the kingdom was split in two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. While both kingdoms had a history of comprising with the religious and cultural practices of their pagan neighbours, the northern Kingdom of Israel based in Samaria became known for its syncretic embrace of Canaanite and Assyrian religion along with Judaism. On the other hand, the Kingdom of Judah was relatively more committed to maintaining their faithfulness to God and the Scriptures. For centuries afterward, the Jews looked down upon Samaritans as traitors who were no better than pagans. Any association with them, however remote, was seen as unclean. However, Jewish attitudes towards Samaritans at the time were motivated by pride and a smugness rooted in their own self-righteousness.
In Samaria, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well. John specifically notes the time of day. It was noon. Normally, the women of the community would gather water at the well in the morning and it was often a time to socialize. But this woman came to gather water at a time when most would not. It was clear that she was trying to avoid the other women. And yet Jesus boldly engages her in conversation. He uses the illustration of the well to explain that He offers Living Water – His Holy Spirit – that will fully and completely satisfy. The Samaritan woman is in disbelief, and yet the subtext underneath her repeated emphasis on the differences between Jews and Samaritans reveals the true question of her heart: “Is this Living Water really for someone like me too?” Jesus patiently explains that it is for all people and that there will come a time when Jews and Samaritans will worship God together in spirit and in truth.
Jesus further demonstrates His divinity by revealing that He knew about a very intimate detail of her life and the source of her shame. The reason why she was at the well at noon was because she was living in sin with a man who was not her husband. And yet the Living Water that He offers will cleanse all sin and shame and satisfy every lack. The moment that the Samaritan woman realizes that the man that she has been talking to is the Messiah is one of the most beautiful in Scripture. She leaves her water jar, representing all that she thought would satisfy her in this world, and excitedly tells the entire town about the true source of fulfillment – Jesus. The boldness and joy of encountering the reality of who Christ is transcends and overcomes all fear and shame. In all of this, the disciples seem to have lost the plot. Jesus’ words to them reflect His missional heart for all who seek the Living Water He provides:
“I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Read the passage prayerfully a few times over and then answer the questions – John 4:1-42
Questions:
- How does Jesus patiently and lovingly engage with the Samaritan woman? (John 4:1-26)
- How would you define the Living Water that Jesus offers to all believers? (John 4:10-15, cf. Ezekiel 36:25-27, Jeremiah 2:13, Revelation 7:16-17, Hebrews 10:22)
- Where were the disciples’ priorities while observing the transformation of the Samaritan woman? How does Jesus correct them? (John 4: 27-38)
Application:
- How have you experienced the Living Water that Christ provides?
- What lessons can you draw from this passage in boldly sharing the Gospel?
Conclusion & Heart Prayer:
Lord, what are You saying to me? And what are You calling me to do about it?
