Most Christians are familiar with Jesus’ conversation with the woman He met at a well in Samaria on His way home in Galilee after spending some time in Judah and Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem at the temple He caused an uproar by clearing the temple of the people that were selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices, and the dealers exchanging foreign money.
This upset the religious leaders, and they asked Jesus where He got the authority to do what He did. Rather than giving them the chance to confront Him Jesus left Jerusalem to return to Galilee. On His way home Jesus did some things that would have certainly raised some eyebrows.
The quickest route from Jerusalem to Galilee led through Samaria. Because of their hatred for Samaritans, Jews, and Jesus in His incarnation was a Jew, most Jewish travelers preferred to take a longer detour to the east to avoid Samaria. The Jews hated the Samaritans because they were of mixed ethnicity and most Jewish people regarded them as half-breeds. Their religious practices combined Judaism with pagan elements. Centuries of bad blood had created a deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
On the journey to Galilee, through Samaria, they stopped at a well near the town of Sychar and Jesus' disciples left Him at the well and went into town to buy food. While waiting for His disciples to return Jesus met and had a conversation with a Samaritan woman after asking her for a drink.
John 4:4-8 NLT [4] He had to go through Samaria on the way. [5] Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. [7] Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” [8] He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
The woman was stunned because of several real but invisible social barriers that existed between Jesus and her. One, Jews didn’t talk to Samaritans. Two, men didn’t talk to women privately. And three, few people talked to a woman with her reputation. She had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband.
John 4:16-18 NLT[16] “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. [17] “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— [18] for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Jesus refused to allow these artificial boundaries to prevent Him from making a personal connection and sharing His Good News. The woman pointed out that, like the Jews, the Samaritans were waiting for the Messiah, God’s chosen Redeemer. “I am the Messiah!” Jesus revealed.
John 4:25-26 NLT [25] The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
This upset the religious leaders, and they asked Jesus where He got the authority to do what He did. Rather than giving them the chance to confront Him Jesus left Jerusalem to return to Galilee. On His way home Jesus did some things that would have certainly raised some eyebrows.
The quickest route from Jerusalem to Galilee led through Samaria. Because of their hatred for Samaritans, Jews, and Jesus in His incarnation was a Jew, most Jewish travelers preferred to take a longer detour to the east to avoid Samaria. The Jews hated the Samaritans because they were of mixed ethnicity and most Jewish people regarded them as half-breeds. Their religious practices combined Judaism with pagan elements. Centuries of bad blood had created a deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
On the journey to Galilee, through Samaria, they stopped at a well near the town of Sychar and Jesus' disciples left Him at the well and went into town to buy food. While waiting for His disciples to return Jesus met and had a conversation with a Samaritan woman after asking her for a drink.
John 4:4-8 NLT [4] He had to go through Samaria on the way. [5] Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. [6] Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. [7] Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” [8] He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.
The woman was stunned because of several real but invisible social barriers that existed between Jesus and her. One, Jews didn’t talk to Samaritans. Two, men didn’t talk to women privately. And three, few people talked to a woman with her reputation. She had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband.
John 4:16-18 NLT[16] “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. [17] “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— [18] for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Jesus refused to allow these artificial boundaries to prevent Him from making a personal connection and sharing His Good News. The woman pointed out that, like the Jews, the Samaritans were waiting for the Messiah, God’s chosen Redeemer. “I am the Messiah!” Jesus revealed.
John 4:25-26 NLT [25] The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
Follow Jesus' Example and Cross the Boundaries that Separate Us
The takeaway here is obvious. Our culture urges us to focus on the differences that divide us. Conservative vs. liberal. Men vs. women. Young vs. old. Christian vs. non-Christian.
Jesus urges us to focus on the things that unite us. The need for compassion, love, understanding, peace of mind, and assurance about our future. The desire to be known, to have a purpose, to find fulfillment and joy, and to be a part of something bigger than us. In short, like Jesus let's build bridges.
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well offers several powerful examples for today. This meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan, which looks like a coincidence was orchestrated by God.
This meeting gives us a pattern for crossing those barriers erected by sin that separate us from each other and from God.
Galatians 3:28-29 NLT[28] There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Ephesians 4:4-6 NLT [4] For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. [5] There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Jesus gives us a powerful example for breaking down social and religious barriers Jesus, by interacting with this woman, challenged social norms and demonstrated a willingness to engage with those considered "other", “them” “they” “you people”.
John 4:9 NLT The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
The woman had likely been ostracized due to her past. Jesus offered acceptance and grace, showing that faith transcends social judgment and past mistakes.
John 4:16-18 NLT[16] “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. [17] “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— [18] for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Jesus engaged in a genuine conversation, listening to the woman's concerns, and addressing her deepest needs. This highlights the power of open and honest dialogue in building relationships and understanding.
John 4:20-26 NLT[20] So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” [21] Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. [22] You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. [23] But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [25] The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
The woman, transformed by her encounter with Jesus, became an evangelist, sharing her experience with others in her community.
John 4:28-30, 39-42 NLT [28] The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, [29] “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” [30] So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
[39] Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” [40] When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, [41] long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. [42] Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Jesus used a simple everyday act – drawing water – as a metaphor for spiritual thirst and the living water he offers.
John 4:10 NLT Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
This emphasizes that spiritual truths can be found in the ordinary moments of life. We are called to break down barriers of race, religion, and social status, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. In an increasingly polarized world, open and honest dialogue is crucial for understanding and finding common ground.
When we take the courageous step of crossing the boundaries that separate us the impact our personal testimony is powerful in spreading the message of hope and transformation.
The story of Jesus and the woman at the well serves as a timeless reminder of God's love for all people, regardless of their background or past. It encourages us to be agents of reconciliation, to seek truth through authentic conversation, and to share our faith with the world.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NLT[18] And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. [19] For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. [20] So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” [21] For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Because of the sacrifice Christ made, we are all one. We are all together in the eyes of God. That sacrifice is more than any human word can describe. Because of Christ, our sins are forgiven. That also means we are forgiven for any wrongdoings, past, present, and future, against others, or against God. This unity between humanity and God, and among all people, regardless of sin, has been made possible because of Christ.
The takeaway here is obvious. Our culture urges us to focus on the differences that divide us. Conservative vs. liberal. Men vs. women. Young vs. old. Christian vs. non-Christian.
Jesus urges us to focus on the things that unite us. The need for compassion, love, understanding, peace of mind, and assurance about our future. The desire to be known, to have a purpose, to find fulfillment and joy, and to be a part of something bigger than us. In short, like Jesus let's build bridges.
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well offers several powerful examples for today. This meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan, which looks like a coincidence was orchestrated by God.
This meeting gives us a pattern for crossing those barriers erected by sin that separate us from each other and from God.
Galatians 3:28-29 NLT[28] There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
Ephesians 4:4-6 NLT [4] For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. [5] There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Jesus gives us a powerful example for breaking down social and religious barriers Jesus, by interacting with this woman, challenged social norms and demonstrated a willingness to engage with those considered "other", “them” “they” “you people”.
John 4:9 NLT The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”
The woman had likely been ostracized due to her past. Jesus offered acceptance and grace, showing that faith transcends social judgment and past mistakes.
John 4:16-18 NLT[16] “Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. [17] “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband— [18] for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!”
Jesus engaged in a genuine conversation, listening to the woman's concerns, and addressing her deepest needs. This highlights the power of open and honest dialogue in building relationships and understanding.
John 4:20-26 NLT[20] So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?” [21] Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. [22] You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. [23] But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. [24] For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” [25] The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” [26] Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!”
The woman, transformed by her encounter with Jesus, became an evangelist, sharing her experience with others in her community.
John 4:28-30, 39-42 NLT [28] The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, [29] “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” [30] So the people came streaming from the village to see him.
[39] Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” [40] When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, [41] long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. [42] Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Jesus used a simple everyday act – drawing water – as a metaphor for spiritual thirst and the living water he offers.
John 4:10 NLT Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”
This emphasizes that spiritual truths can be found in the ordinary moments of life. We are called to break down barriers of race, religion, and social status, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect. In an increasingly polarized world, open and honest dialogue is crucial for understanding and finding common ground.
When we take the courageous step of crossing the boundaries that separate us the impact our personal testimony is powerful in spreading the message of hope and transformation.
The story of Jesus and the woman at the well serves as a timeless reminder of God's love for all people, regardless of their background or past. It encourages us to be agents of reconciliation, to seek truth through authentic conversation, and to share our faith with the world.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21 NLT[18] And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. [19] For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. [20] So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” [21] For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Because of the sacrifice Christ made, we are all one. We are all together in the eyes of God. That sacrifice is more than any human word can describe. Because of Christ, our sins are forgiven. That also means we are forgiven for any wrongdoings, past, present, and future, against others, or against God. This unity between humanity and God, and among all people, regardless of sin, has been made possible because of Christ.
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