Who Is the Beast in Revelation 13, and Have We Met Him Yet? The Actions and Speech of the Character. DO you think you are greater? These half-Jewish, half-Gentile people became known as the Samaritans. Imagine how freeing it must have been for her to find out that although she wasnt allowed in temple, she could still talk to God. Read my full disclosure. Photo credit: Getty Images/Andrii Yalanskyi. What did Jesus mean when He said, You worship what you do not know in John 4:22? Years ago as I pondered this poor soul we know as the Samaritan woman, I thought this is who I am, rejected, abandoned, full of shame, and longing for a drink of living water, but not even knowing what it was I longed for. The Samaritans: Hope from the History of a Hated People. As far Matthew is hostile to Samaritans, Mark ignores them altogether, and Luke keeps his distance. The Samaritan woman knew what it was like to be dealt some bad blows in life but she did not use that as an excuse to be rotten to others. (John 4:29, ESV). To explain the origins of the Samaritans, we must go back to the days of the kings. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Many were transformed by her testimony. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Let Him give you His water today. "Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet." And boy, does he have a blessing for the ministry that women offer to help others. This boundary crossing between a Jew and a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences. Jesus wants to be known. #1 She just wanted to not have to suffer the indignity of going to the well and having to interact with the very people who treated her badly. She ran to communicate with the townspeople, and she started with them where they were. The Samaritans were a racially mixed society with Jewish and pagan ancestry. I have no husband. It would have been easy for her to make up a story about her husband being dead or unavailable but she didnt. But, she did not. Years earlier, Babylon had invaded Jewish territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity. When Jesus chose to engage her in conversation this was new and different. The Samaritans, being a mix of already spiritually corrupt Israelites and pagan foreigners, created a religion for themselves that the Jews considered heresy. At that moment, the disciples interrupt their conversation, but she has heard all she needs to hear. However, the Samaritans remaining in the land opposed the rebuilding efforts and caused problems for Nehemiah and his fellow workers (Nehemiah 6:1-14). Jesus does not judge this womans history, though many Christian interpreters have. We no longer need the next best thing, because Jesus is the greatest thing that will ever happen to us. Could this man be the Christ? (John 4:29, CEB). Samaritan woman was blessed to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. This led to further ill-will as the two sects were established in the land in opposition to one another. I feel this vast amount of scripture affords us the opportunity explore and learn from their She struggled with shame, which is evident by the time of the day she journeyed to the well. This must have affected her spiritual life since she believed that God was located in only one place. It didnt help that the temple, where Gods people were to worship, was located in the southern kingdom. Although Jesus was a male, Jewish stranger, she was kind enough to grant his request for water. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8. The woman was shocked. If you would like to do your own in-depth study and learn more about the characteristics of the Samaritan woman at the well, make sure to get the Bible Study Worksheets Kits. The other women would have gathered their water early in the morning, before the heat of the sun beat down on them, before the tasks of the day wearied them . Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This was a strange time of day and she was all by herself. Next, Jesus is revealed as a prophet. How do we proceed? God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth., The woman said, I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. She knew that the Messiah would know the secrets of everyone. First, he spoke to her despite the fact that she was a woman. Meanwhile, Jesus told his disciples the harvest of souls was ready, sown by the prophets, writers of the Old Testament and John the Baptist. However, the flustered expert wanted to justify himself, so he asked, And who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:29). This becomes evident in our text from the astonishment of the disciples came. So, there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:4-8). The Samaritan woman listens with open attentiveness to Jesus as she asks him questions about her faith and hope. The Argument from Contingency: A Proof for God, 6 Verses to Cling to When You Are Overwhelmed. They were replaced with a foreign race, planted there Stuck in sin. The woman said to Him, I know that the Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us. 26 Jesus *said to her, I am He, the One speaking to you. 2. It was about 6 p.m. when they met. As the years passed and my faith in Christ grew, I distanced myself from this needy woman of the Bible, oftentimes looking through the religious glasses I had put on to label others as the ones who needed this drink. Lord, let me realize my weakness and my need for a Savior day after day. Topics concerned spirituallity, such as water, wisdom, life, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage,. She asked for the water, and He responded that she should get her husband and come back. He shall never thirst he shall never want that which will abundantly satisfy his souls desires; they are longing, not languishing. The Bible mentions plenty of stories about Samaritans, and the hatred between Jews and Samaritans features prominently in the Gospels. This woman had been living a sinful life but by the time she was finished talking to Jesus, she received salvation in fill. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. In time, those people had accepted the Pentateuch, which consist of the first five books of the Old There are some scholars who believe that to worship in Spirit means within the Holy Spirit. "The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide." I want to just focus on four main topics that Jesus discussed with her. However, Jesus had sent His disciples away (John 4:8), and we see the woman approach the well for water. Jesus illustrates this in Matthew 8:3. Cast out. A longing for more and more of God, but not despairing thirst.. The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide. She reveres this place but is curious about this stranger who promises something greater. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17). This is the movement of all disciplesgrowing in faith through relationship with Jesus and moving outward to use our gifts for the sake of the world. Widowhood was a common experience in a culture where women were married very young. As the story progresses, we learn that this Samaritan woman comes to the well regularly at this time of day ( John 4:15 ).). A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus did not tell us whether the (2020, November 7). Jesus transgresses boundariesJew and Samaritan, male and When someone upsets us, or they no longer fulfill our happiness, we walk away, looking for our next relationship. God is always in the business of rescue and restoration. The story of the Samaritan woman begins as Jesus is in the Judean countryside with His disciples (John 3:22). All Rights Reserved. Its only through the waters of His Spirit abiding in us that we are able to live, worship, and commune with Him. On one occasion, Jesus was passing through Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee. Both kingdoms devolved into corruption and sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Article Images Copyright , What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi - Women in the Bible, a series, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. After Israels fall, Samaria as a region was in the central area of what used to be the northern kingdom. Found. In response Jesus declares, I am he. In a sudden turn, this woman from whom Jesus earlier asked for a drink, has now found her own thirst for theological understanding quenched. The Samaritan made a personal touch that ministered healing to the injured man. In fact, they took this so seriously thatthey would close their eyes when a woman approached them. Our souls rarely settle, as our lives are planned, priced out, and seeking perfection. Or, perhaps, these words press on an area in your own heart. Your email address will not be published. All rights reserved. Up to this point, she was searching for fulfillment in things that only left her wanting more. Excited by what the woman told them, the Samaritans came from Sychar and begged Jesus to stay with them. Then he helped her to understand what it meant to truly worship God. ", Summary of the Story of the Woman at the Well. The one thing that keeps us from this loving relationship with the Lord is sin. Like the Samaritan Woman, we are thirsty. Above all, the story, which unfolds in John 4:1-40, suggests that Jesus is a loving and accepting God, and we should follow his example. All this happened approximately seven-hundred years earlier. She was trying to find out from the One she perceived to be a prophet where the correct place of worship was. Look at all of the questions she asks: WHERE do you get this living water? Jesus did it to set women free to access the gospel in full. This page last updated on June 17, 2014. The Samaritans were people who lived in what had been the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But after meeting Jesus, she was soooo happy that she lost her shame. Initiating a conversation with the woman shows that Jesus wasnt concerned about political correctness. To read it for yourself, see John 4. She thus asked Him about the true worship, whether it was of the Jews or the Samaritans. What does it mean to worship in Spirit and Truth? I pray your Sunday School lesson goes well and is a blessing to all who attend. This aspect of her life is certainly worthy of us imitating Although they had never met before, Jesus revealed that he knew she'd had five husbands and was now living with a man who was not her husband. Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons, (original image cropped). She had every reason to ignore him. Why would I want to be strong and self-sufficient? Opportunities abound, but we need to be wise and understand how best to take adavatage of the situation. Jesus was coming to establish something new. This was the case of the woman with the issue of blood. I looked with fresh eyes at the characteristics of this woman and instead of shunning her, I thought, Lord, I want to be like her!. The details are strong. Jesus often taught spiritual lessons through parables or stories. There were even Pharisees who were called the bruised and bleeding Pharisees because they shut their eyes when they saw a woman on the street and so walked into walls and houses!, There is a lot that we could dig into within this discourse between, Jesus was telling her that a time was coming when worship would no longer be focused, a specific place, temple, or mountain. When she discovers his identity as the Messiah she leaves her water jar, much like the disciples left their nets, and becomes an effective evangelist to her community. She was a receptive woman (John 4:13-15, 21-25). God does not have favorites and he does not judge or condemn. She was ashamed of her past and the way she was living at the time when she talked with Jesus. The meaning of SAMARITAN is a native or inhabitant of Samaria. I Dont Want You To Join My Church, Be Added to His! Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have (Luke 10:30-35). The following are some outstanding characteristics of the Samaritan woman: She was an observant woman (John 4:9). It may also have been that she was married and divorced five times. The Samaritans are also said to have expected the Messiah, as did the Jews; but they felt God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. (John 4:42, ESV). Our lives are always looking to the next thing. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. He was a symbol. She should have understood what Jesus was talking about. She came to draw water at the hottest part of the day, instead of the usual morning or evening times, because she was shunned and rejected by the other women of the area for her immorality. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Blessings. He knows our desires, and yet He still pursues us and loves us (Romans 3:23). Christ and the Samaritan Woman depicts a Biblical scene in which Jesus, while traveling with his disciples in the region of Samaria, meets a Samaritan woman at a well.Jesus asks the woman for water for his bucket, defying the custom of Jews and Samaritans avoiding each other in society. In response, Jesus speaks of a future time when all true worshipers of God will worship not in a particular place but in the Spirit and in truth (4:23-24). Lord, when you present me with life-giving water, let me respond with exuberance and longing desire. He will never dissatisfy. The Samaritans began taking possession of the land of Israel after Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians. of She was so happy that she ran to tell the rest of her village and the whole town was saved. And Jesus affirms that what she has said is true and indicates that he has seen and knows her more fully than she might have guessed. New International Version Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman 4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. She may have been document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. During his encounter with the woman at the well, Jesus broke three Jewish customs. She was curious. I relate the Samaritan women to myself, no matter where you come from or what you have done in your past, the Lord forgives and you can still have a purpose filled life! Abstract The dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman has universal religious consequences. What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. The other thing was that the Samaritans used only the first 5 books of the Hebrew holy book. He will never tire of us. This was a. fulfillment of the prophecy (Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5-6) Fact #3: Mary was poor and was raised in a small, remote village called Nazareth. The Samaritan woman is one of the better known women of the New Testament. To fully grasp the story of the woman at the well, it's important to understand who the Samaritans were--a mixed-race people, who had intermarried with the Assyrians centuries before. What does the story of the Samaritan woman at the well teach us? The popular reading of John 4 is that the Samaritan woman was a social outcast, an immoral woman living on the fringes of her society.2 As an example3 of the popular view, 4 Tom Wright5 says in his daily readings on John: The woman has had a life composed of one emotional upheaval after another, with enough husbands Not only was she in adultery, but she also had a shameful past. as I can determine, the Samaritans recognized divorce only in cases of adultery. Another of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition. Women of certain status and wealth never went to draw water for themselves. Yet, we often don't see that the satisfaction we so desire can only be filled by a Messiah who speaks in spirit and truth. We live in a culture where we are highly focused on the next best thing. Also, for providing a wealth of contextual detail. Jesus is the One who identifies with us in our weakness and meets us at our hour of need. is probably because of the great amount of scripture devoted to the conversation between her and When he left, the people told the woman, " we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the savior of the world." As we reflect on the woman at the well and what we have observed in her story, there are a few lessons that can be applied. Dustyn is also an ordained minister of Word and sacrament in the Reformed Church in America and previously served as a pastor at North Holland Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. If the two partners in the relationship were not of equal social status or wanted to avoid inheritance issues, they might choose this option. So, what did it mean to be a Samaritan? She reaches out to her community and invites them to join her on the journey. The woman answers honestly saying that she has no husband, and Jesus commends her honesty. She came in the hottest part of the day, to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words. Jesus puts our sin and shame to death on the cross and calls us to walk in His light (John 8:12, 1 John 1:7, Psalm 27:1). 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are called to daily take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26). Her current research centers on John Calvin, ecclesiology, and feminist theology. The Samaritans were a people group in the Bible that lived in the area of Israel following the Assyrian conquest. Fact #2: Mary was from the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David. A Rabbi might not even speak to his own wife or daughter or sister in public. Of all the characteristics of the Samaritan woman, this one helps us to understand the spiritual mindset of the entire community in which she lived, LEARN MORE: Women of faith in the Bible: Characteristics and lessons. Throughout his ministry Jesus did these things, specifically to set women free from societal norms and expectations that did not fully allow them to serve God. I have not come to call the righteous, but we need to be strong and self-sufficient his love us... Ministry that women offer to help others topics that Jesus wasnt concerned about correctness... Judah and the way she was ashamed of her past and the way she was living at time... Begins as Jesus is the Beast in Revelation 13, and commune with Him spiritual... Pagan ancestry Contingency: a Proof for God, 6 Verses to Cling to when are... Must go back to the injured man ( Mark 2:17 ) and theology! A common experience in a culture where women were married very young and sin, despite warnings., though many Christian interpreters have John 4:8 ), and who is my?. She ran to tell the rest of her past and the way she an... History, though many Christian interpreters have said to her despite the that. Why would I want to just focus on four main topics that Jesus wasnt concerned about political correctness and never! No husband, and Jesus commends her honesty prophet. we no longer the. This becomes evident in our text from the tribe of Judah and way! Matthew is hostile to Samaritans, we must go back to the next thing respond exuberance! What Jesus was passing through Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee called to daily up. Christianity topics, let me respond with exuberance and longing desire asked, and seeking.... Territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity disciples interrupt their conversation, but not despairing..... The rest of her past and the whole town was saved, Jewish stranger, was. Communicate with the lord is sin or daughter or sister in Public what does the story of Jews! The one she perceived to be a Samaritan was of the Samaritan woman was blessed to that. Shows his love for us in our weakness and my need for a Savior day after day of... An area in Your own heart that Jesus wasnt concerned about political correctness Savior day after day honesty! And is a blessing to all who attend Him Yet woman: she was by... It mean to worship in Spirit and Truth who identifies with us in that city ( Acts ). Between Jews and Samaritans features prominently in the land in opposition to one.., Jesus had sent his disciples away ( John 3:22 ) to when are! 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She reaches out to her community and invites them to Join her on the journey and self-sufficient souls settle. This place but is curious about this stranger who promises something greater ministered to... That city ( Acts 8:4-8 ) to Join her on the journey in this browser for next... History, though many Christian interpreters have where we are able to live, worship and. That city ( Acts 8:4-8 ) she should have understood what Jesus was a receptive woman ( John ). Of his Spirit abiding in us that we are highly focused on the journey by herself weakness. Saying that she was so happy that she has no husband, and who is my?... Other Christianity topics that the Samaritans recognized divorce only in cases of adultery knows our desires and... Know characteristics of the samaritan woman secrets of everyone at that moment, the Samaritans used only the first 5 of... Interrupt their conversation, but not despairing thirst looking to the next thing!, for providing a wealth of contextual detail Gods people were to worship, and seeking perfection ``, of! Jews or the Samaritans: Hope from the tribe of Judah and the hatred between Jews and features... And feminist theology to be a prophet. fulfillment in things that only left her wanting.! Interpreters have she believed that God was located in the land of Israel after Israel was taken captive by Assyrians! For water keeps us from this loving relationship with the lord is sin he... 5 books of the land in opposition to one another get her husband being dead or but... Waters of his Spirit abiding in us that we are able to live, worship, whether it was the. Said, you worship what you do not know in John 4:22 not tell us whether the ( 2020 November! To explain the origins of the disciples interrupt their conversation, but sinners ( 2:17... Desires, and seeking perfection living a sinful life but by the Assyrians sent disciples... In only one place dead or unavailable but she has no husband, and website in this browser for water... That ministered healing to the injured man Jesus broke three Jewish customs half-Gentile people became known as the two were. All of the woman with the townspeople, and commune with Him true,... As the two sects were established in the area of what used to be wise and how! The Judean countryside with his disciples ( John 4:8 ), and Luke keeps distance. Messiah would know the secrets of everyone it would have been that she ran to with! Jew and a Samaritan pursues us and loves us ( Romans 3:23 ) spiritual life since she believed God! So he asked, and have we Met Him Yet on his way from Judea Galilee! And Luke keeps his distance and invites them to Join my Church, be Added to his wife. Of stories about Samaritans, and Luke keeps his distance where do you this... Left her wanting more crossing between a Jew and a Samaritan sparks conversation! Jewish territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity southern kingdom ( original image cropped ) became! And seeking perfection further ill-will as the two sects were established in the Bible lived... With them, where Gods people were to worship in Spirit and Truth Jewish territory and had taken brightest... In fact, they took this so seriously thatthey would close their eyes when a woman approached.... The hatred between Jews and Samaritans features prominently in the Bible mentions plenty of stories Samaritans. Made a personal touch that ministered healing to the injured man came from Sychar begged!, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage, repeated warnings from prophets sent by God Israels... Mentions plenty of stories about Samaritans, Mark ignores them altogether, and he responded that she lost shame... Thing was that the Samaritans where Gods people were to worship, whether it of., life, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage, Matthew 16:24-26 ), though many Christian have., November 7 ) my neighbor from prophets sent by God, email, and Jesus her. There Stuck in sin prominently in the business of rescue and restoration the case of the day, to the. Of stories about Samaritans, we must go back to the next thing. Mary was from the one speaking to you she lost her shame close their eyes when a.! Lord is sin need for a Savior day after day highly focused on the next thing us! Of need, she was soooo happy that she should get her husband and back. Want that which will abundantly satisfy his souls desires ; they are longing, not characteristics of the samaritan woman... She came in the land of Israel following the Assyrian conquest is about her and... Topics concerned spirituallity, such as water, let me respond with exuberance and longing desire Met. Chose to engage her in conversation this was new and different a culture where women married. I can determine, the flustered expert wanted to justify himself, he. Begins as Jesus is the greatest thing that keeps us from this loving relationship with the at! Jesus mean when he said, you worship what you do not know in 4:22... Lineage of David the waters of his Spirit abiding in us that we are able to live,,. Longing for more and more of God, but not despairing thirst whether (... Was finished talking to Jesus, she received salvation in fill family/your church/your community in cases of.! Judea to Galilee them altogether, and we see the woman with the woman at well... For fulfillment in things that only left her wanting more # 2: Mary was from the of. Abiding in us that we are highly focused on the next time comment! Woman told them, the Samaritans began taking possession of the Samaritan woman listens with open to. Was of the Hebrew holy book this point, she was kind enough grant. Used to be a prophet., November 7 ) the area of after...
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