Gospel of John Episode 21, Woman of Samaria (1)

21 Woman of Samaria (1)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we dedicate ourselves to You in our daily devotion. We ask for your guidance and deep understanding, so we can learn the lessons you want to teach us. Help us to remain open and receptive to Your guidance in our lives. May Your wisdom illuminate our path and strengthen our faith as we navigate through life's challenges. We seek to grow closer to You and live in accordance with Your will, in Jesus' name, Amen.

John 4:1-10

John 4:1-4, Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John  (although Jesus himself didn’t baptize, but his disciples),  he left Judea and departed into Galilee. 4 He needed to pass through Samaria.

Reflection

The Pharisees' hostility towards Jesus intensified as His disciples began baptizing people in Judea. In response, Jesus departed Judea and headed north to Galilee. Remarkably, He chose the most direct route, traveling straight north through Samaria—a bold and unconventional decision. Typically, Jews would avoid Samaria by taking an eastern detour out of Judea, then heading north and west to re-enter Galilee. However, Jesus felt compelled to pass through Samaria instead. Today, the biblical region encompassing Judea and Samaria is known as the West Bank.

John 4:5-6, So, he came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Reflection

 Upon arriving at Sychar around noon, weary from His extended journey, Jesus found a moment of rest beside Jacob's well. Interestingly, Jesus' well was sitting beside Jacob's well. Meanwhile, the disciples had gone into the city to procure food. Despite being both fully man and fully God, Jesus experienced fatigue, thirst, and hunger.

Typically, women would visit the well during the early morning or late evening hours to escape the heat. In the first-century Middle Eastern context, these gatherings were opportunities for socializing and exchanging stories. However, this particular woman chose to come at noon, deliberately avoiding the company of others.

John 4:7-9, A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman therefore said to him, How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman? (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

Reflection

When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman, He initiated the conversation by requesting a drink. This simple act served as his icebreaker, catching her off guard. Given the deep-rooted animosity between Jews and Samaritans, their interaction was unexpected; they were notorious for avoiding any contact. Additionally, it was considered socially unacceptable for Samaritan women to speak with men in public, making Jesus’ request not only unconventional but also scandalous. However, by asking her for water, He shattered societal norms. Jesus had a divine mission; He came to seek and save those lost in sin.

John 4:10,  Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.

Reflection

    Jesus, the divine gift from God, stood before her, speaking the promise of eternal life! If only she realized the depth of this moment! Spiritually parched and yearning, she faced the source of Living Water. Instead of seeking fulfillment in the fleeting relationships with men, having had five, she found herself trapped in sin. Yet, here was Jesus, coming not to condemn, but to save her.

Application

Which wells are you drawing from? No earthly source can truly fulfill the deepest desires of your heart. Only Jesus Christ offers genuine, enduring satisfaction.