John 4, Lessons By A Well

Little did the Samaritan woman know that a trip to Jacob's well would result in such a marvelous discovery as she had. In the culture in which Jesus lived, it was a customary thing for the women to draw water. The younger women often had the responsibility of watering the flocks at the well and the older women would journey to the well to get their supply of fresh water for their household. This still occurs today in many eastern cultures.

The episode we refer to is found in John 4. It is a story of discovery. For the Samaritan woman it was a discovery of her own life and situation before God. For you and me, it is a discovery of the identity of Jesus as the Messiah or Christ.

Some Lessons Drawn From This Text

1. Within this context, we learn the nature of acceptable worship. It must be "in spirit" (heart involved and right attitude in place) and "in truth" (in harmony with truth, doing what God seeks, see Colossians 3:17) (John 4:24).
2. We learn that salvation is "of the Jews". Immediately, we realize the purpose for those Old Testament family lines (those lists of names that most people cannot pronounce) that are scattered throughout the Old Testament Scriptures. It was through the Jewish family, or lineage, that Jesus would have his earth or flesh connection (Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 10:5).
3. We see that the geographic location of our worship under Christ is not significant. There had been a time when Jerusalem was the focal point of all religious activity for the Jew. The Samaritan had given special status to Mount Gerizim, believing that was the place where he could meet God. Jesus points out that the geographic place is not as important as true worship. We do not need to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem (three times yearly), but can worship and serve God wherever we are.

A Closer Look At The Samaritan Woman

Yes, there are many lessons in this text, but let's return to the text and see what happens on the part of the Samaritan woman. Watch her situation as it changes within this account.

1. She is surprised that a Jewish man would speak, much less make a request of a Samaritan woman (John 4:9).
2. She thinks only of literal, physical water when Jesus tells of his ability to give "living water" (John 4:10-11).
3. She wants to know if Jesus is greater than Jacob who gave this good well from which she intended to draw water (John 4:12-14).
4. When Jesus expands on the "living water" he can supply, she still thinks only in physical terms. She is desirous of that water so that she will not thirst, nor will she have to come to the well again.
5. When Jesus reveals that he knows about her marriage status or lack thereof (vv. 16- 18), she is ready to concede that he is a prophet (v. 19).
6. Following an extended discussion concerning the nature of true worship, she speaks of her expectation of the Messiah. It is at this time that Jesus declares, "I who speak to you am He" (v. 26).
7. When the disciples return, the woman "left her water pot" and headed back to the city (vv. 27-28). She declares: "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (v. 29).
8. As a result of her, many came out of the city to see the Christ for themselves (vv. 30, 39).

Are we as determined to invite people to come and meet Jesus? No, we don't have Him here in literal flesh, but His message and person are proclaimed weekly in our midst. No one else could do as much for your friends as Jesus. Simply invite them to "come and see!".