The Samaritan woman is one of the better known women of the New Testament. What does it mean to worship in Spirit and Truth? So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. Second, she was a Samaritan woman, and the Jews traditionally despised Samaritans. You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. 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! (Barclay). While on the way He got tired and thirsty. The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide. John 4:1-42). At this point, Babylon had given way to the Persian Empire. Maybe its a woman who you and others avoid because associating with her may switch on the rumor mill. 4 Things Christians Can Learn from The Story of the Woman at the Well 1. of Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/woman-at-the-well-700205. Let my weariness, my thirst, my longing for truth always bring me face to face with YOU. It was known that Samaria was a center of Baal's worship because he was one of the most attractive gods in the ancient world due to his commission of being the god of storms, rain and fertility, which the land of Samaria was longing for. The story of the Samaritan woman begins as Jesus is in the Judean countryside with His disciples (John 3:22). Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.. Drawing water alone in the heat of the day could only indicate one thing. But in this time period, it was not unreasonable. In the book of Acts, after Jesus' ascension into heaven, his apostles carried on his work in Samaria and to the Gentile world. Living water can be obtained only by those who recognize that they are spiritually thirsty. Let me say YES Give me what I long for. In time, those people had accepted the Pentateuch, which consist of the first five books of the Old How do we proceed? Thus, God warned, they would be overtaken by conquerors. From the fall of the rebellious northern kingdom of Israel, to a mixed idolatrous religion, to a people group hated by the Jews, the Samaritans had a rocky history. Sin will never satisfy their deepest desires here on earth. Jesus replied to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water Jesus answered and said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life. 15 The woman *said to Him, Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw water. John 4:10; 13-15. We no longer need the next best thing, because Jesus is the greatest thing that will ever happen to us. How ready are you for God to reveal himself to you in mighty ways? 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 . When Jesus revealed himself as the Living Water to the woman at the well, his message was strikingly similar to his revelation as the Bread of Life: I am the bread of life. 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). What Do We Learn from Reading Jesus Genealogy? Tired and thirsty, Jesus sat by Jacob's well while his disciples went to the village of Sychar, roughly a half-mile away, to buy food. When Jesus chose to engage her in conversation this was new and different. She speaks of her anticipation of the fuller understanding she will receive when the Messiah comes. The Samaritan woman had a past she was not proud of. 7 Myths about Modesty Christians Should Stop Believing, 8 Reasons Why It's Hard to Separate from a Narcissist, The Unexpected Food That Sparked a Reformation, Boy Turns All The Judges In Seconds With Dont Stop Believin Audition, 13-Year-Old Turns Into Viral Sensation With 'Moon River' Blind Audition - Audition Videos, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, 6 Guiding Verses about Family Relationships. Why was the woman at the well? It could have been that she wanted to come to the well to draw water when she knew she could do it alone. When Jesus is our Messiah, He becomes the Lord of our life. Jesus stayed two days, teaching the Samaritan people about the Kingdom of God. The Priceless Woman Virtues of a Godly Woman. RELATED: 7 Powerful faith lessons from the prodigal son. The Samaritans: Hope from the History of a Hated People. Remember, Your Past Is Not Your Future. Jesus was coming to establish something new. Jesus is the One who identifies with us in our weakness and meets us at our hour of need. I feel this vast amount of scripture affords us the opportunity explore and learn from their More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Here are a few of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman that stand out. Shocked by the truth of His words and exposure of her own sin, her eyes are beginning to open to the truth of who He is. Lets take a deeper look into Gods Word. The woman at the well did not have a great life. The one thing that keeps us from this loving relationship with the Lord is sin. She is probably remembered by some, more for her moral condition than anything else. Firstly, she was poor. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can worship God whenever or wherever. Many of us are looking for our religious system to fill us, but it is only an encounter with the Messiah that can satisfy. We come to Christ to be filled, to be forgiven; and the void that is filled by Christ in our life overflows so that we desire to proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9) and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). husbands were dead or alive. Take time to look at the Samaritan woman inside yourself this week. Learn how Jesus shocked the woman at the well with his loving acceptance. The Samaritans were a people group in the Bible that lived in the area of Israel following the Assyrian conquest. In Jewish culture, Rabbis did not speak to women in public. The sixth hour would have been our modern-day noon. Terms of Use: The contents of this blog post are restricted to your personal use only. Women usually drew water earlier in the day and in groups. Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons, (original image cropped). Here we see Jesus reveal Himself as the Messiah to a woman that, from the cultures standpoint, he shouldnt have even been talking to. On its surface, the story chronicles ethnic prejudice and a woman shunned by her community. The Jerusalem/Gerizim debate would soon be obsolete; He was ushering in a new era. marks perfectly the spot where Jesus conversed with her. This woman came for water at an unusual hour and she came alone. The human tendency is to judge others because of stereotypes, customs, or prejudices. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. She has met the Messiah, the one she has been hoping for. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. But by the time she was done talking to Jesus, the mess of her life became a mighty message that she was not afraid to run and tell other about. the city and began telling others about Him. us; we can move forward to do greater things in the service of God. 5 Faith lessons from the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus and the rich young ruler 7 modern lessons from an old Bible story, 7 Powerful faith lessons from the prodigal son. If the two partners in the relationship were not of equal social status or wanted to avoid inheritance issues, they might choose this option. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. On one occasion, Jesus was passing through Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee. 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 The Jews and Samaritans were related. The next of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is a little less obvious. As can be observed from the Bible, there are some thirty-four verses used to record this event. The strict Rabbis forbade a Rabbi to greet a woman in public. Second, she was a Samaritan woman, and the Jews traditionally despised Samaritans. Look at all of the questions she asks: WHERE do you get this living water? So, there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:4-8). What is a Samaritan in the Bible? 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. Only the poor were left. conversation. All rights reserved. The woman at the well had been searching for fulfillment from people. A Rabbi might not even speak to his own wife or daughter or sister in public. Jesus did not tell us whether the Actually, although she was not living her best life, she was living in expectation of Jesuss coming. "The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide." She has been married 5 times, and is currently living in unrepentant sin, by living with her boyfriend (John 4:16-18). Her current situation, living with a man who is not her husband, could be the result of several possible scenarios. Amen. The history of Samaria reminds us that no matter who you are or where you come from, there is Good News through Jesus Christ. We desire a fulfillment, rest, and joy that cannot be found in another person, place or project. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. Abundant life can only be found in Him (John 10:10). The Samaritan woman whom Jesus meets at Jacobs Well gleans much from her long conversation with Jesus. The Samaritan bandaged up the man's wounds and poured oil and wine on his injuries. She was an evangelistic woman (John 4:28-29, 39). First, he spoke to her despite the fact that she was a woman. A knowledge which explains her astonished reaction and unbelief (v. 9). Lord, let me realize my weakness and my need for a Savior day after day. Jesus' behavior shocked the woman at the well. Italian (Venetian School), 1470-1531 c. 1520-1530 Oil on canvas Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. Or, perhaps, these words press on an area in your own heart. Instead, Jesus flipped the question. True worship will be done in spirit and in truth. Think Daniel and the three Hebrew boys in Babylon. Men did not usually speak to women alone in the absence of their husband or some other male from their family. 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. Article Images Copyright , What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi - Women in the Bible, a series, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. She was a receptive woman (John 4:13-15, 21-25). Though we are not told this womans name, she has the longest conversation with Jesus of any character in the book of John. The second of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman has to do with her social status. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the Assyrians took The Insights Bible Study looked at several woman this week, but Tracey Henkel continues this week's teaching focusing on the Samaritan woman. Jesus transgresses boundariesJew and Samaritan, male and By making this request, Jesus was accomplishing a few different things: Jesus was helping her to understand her need for the living water that He was offering her. Most women would come early in the morning or late in the evening to collect water. When Jesus asked her for a drink of water her response was, How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman? She questioned Jesus request because Jews didnt address Samaritans and men did not speak publically to women. They survived through the time of Jesus, and even, in limited numbers, to the present day. 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. Satan Tempts Jesus in the Wilderness Bible Study Guide, Jesus and the Children Bible Story Study Guide, Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story Study Guide, The Wedding at Cana Details Jesus' First Miracle, The Birth of Moses Bible Story Study Guide, Parable of the Lost Sheep Bible Story Study Guide, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. These half-Jewish, half-Gentile people became known as the Samaritans. What is the Significance of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. three. The woman went to tell everyone, and as a result, many Samaritans listened to Jesus and believed. They were replaced with a foreign race, planted there Not only that, but she also came alone. She reaches out to her community and invites them to join her on the journey. After all, anybody who knew her was not interested in the icky details of her life. 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. This woman had been living a sinful life but by the time she was finished talking to Jesus, she received salvation in fill. We may have to get our hands dirty. The solution is found in our focus in this essay: worship in the world without end. This was a strange time of day and she was all by herself. Matthew is hostile to Samaritans, Mark ignores them altogether, and Luke keeps his distance. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. All this happened approximately seven-hundred years earlier. (John 4:29, ESV). The nameless woman at the well was called to be a disciple and evangelist. They had their own unique version of the five books written by Moses, the Pentateuch, but rejected the writings of the prophets and Jewish traditions. when He spoke of Himself having living waters (John 4:10). of She asked for the water, and He responded that she should get her husband and come back. As she referenced Jacob, she thought Jesus must be a crazy person to think that he could provide such a water that Jacob himself could not. They consider Samaritanism to be the true religion of the ancient Israelites and regard Judaism as a closely related but altered religion. Hes always listening to our whispered prayers and our silent prayers. Jew, would talk to her but she seemed perfectly willing to draw Him water from the deep well. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Jesus has paused to wait on you, to give you living water. Many were transformed by her testimony. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17). The details are strong. today. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! As I reflected on the plight of this woman, I began to wonder if in my religious zeal I had become like the disciples who wondered why Jesus would talk to such a woman. Jesus tackled the barriers against women by talking to her. Thanks Michel. They had servant girls for that kind of thing. She was ashamed of it but Jesus got her to pay attention. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. The following are some outstanding characteristics of the Samaritan woman: Lord, please grant us more women with the above characteristics, in Jesus name, Amen! Next, the Samaritan woman went to draw water from the well at noon. 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. Several hundred Samaritans still live in Israel and continue to practice their faith centered on the Pentateuch and Mount Gerizim. 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. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have (Luke 10:30-35). As quickly as she responded, Jesus exposed what she thought would be a secret to him. It was about noon, the hottest part of the day, and a Samaritan woman came to the well at this inconvenient time to draw water. as I can determine, the Samaritans recognized divorce only in cases of adultery. Jesus and His disciples had left Judea and traveled north toward Galilee. He used the backdrop of the Jews hatred for Samaritans to show that everyonewas his neighbor, even those considered an enemy. She had five husbands and she was living with a man who was not her husband. 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). People in the world, like the Samaritan woman at the well, need to know the consequences of their sin. What Does It Mean That "Your Life Is Hidden with Christ"? https://www.learnreligions.com/woman-at-the-well-700205 (accessed April 18, 2023). The Samaritans saw themselves as the true descendants of Israel and preservers of the true religion, while considering the Jerusalem temple and Levitical priesthood illegitimate. I feel this vast amount of scripture . The Samaritan woman in John 4:1-29 reveals this truth about us: that we are blind to our own need until the Anointed one opens our eyes. Why did Jesus stop to talk to her? By the 20th century the Samaritan population dwindled to fewer than 200 individuals, but it grew steadily to about 800 in the 2010s. She was trying to find out from the One she perceived to be a prophet where the correct place of worship was. In 721 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians. One reason And why is this such an important detail in the story? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I Dont Want You To Join My Church, Be Added to His! However, the recorded conversation she has with Jesus at the well is the longest dialogue He has with anyone in Scripture. And many believed because of her testimony (v. 39). Initiating a conversation with the woman shows that Jesus wasnt concerned about political correctness. Samaritan woman was blessed to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah. 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. There are some scholars who believe that to worship in Spirit means within the Holy Spirit. She ran to communicate with the townspeople, and she started with them where they were. 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." She is a literary agent atC.Y.L.E., the publicity manager atMountain Brook Ink, and a freelance editor withSherpa Editing Services. Jesus. Why would I want to be strong and self-sufficient? Another of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition. Here are a couple I recommend: Check Out These Other Posts and Resources: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Only God knows the fullness of her life and ours, but regardless of what her former life might Its possible that this was a genuine question, but its more likely that she was just trying to avoid the current topic of conversation. Thank you for clarifying tones to use when enacting this reading. All of her questions and persistence led her to come face to face with the Living God. Only in recent years have men been allowed to marry women from outside the community, although women who marry outside the community remain ostracized. She was a perceptive woman (John 4:19). 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