Woman at the well... Women at the well...

 PrayerDuring the first century, Palestine was under Roman rule, and it was a time of political and religious tension [1]. The Jewish people were under Roman occupation, leading to deep frustration and longing for liberation. This historical backdrop is crucial to understanding the events surrounding Jesus and the woman at the well.

Eternity is a higher power than everlasting life; it is the reward of everlasting life. Eternal Life is beyond living forever; it is a high status in the realm of the spirit. Eternal life is the height of everlasting life. “Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.” (Is. 62:11). Anyone who has a reward will be with God. Logos was a reward. He was with God (John 1:1) because He was more than an everlasting God; He was an eternal God. Everlasting life is the sanctuary of eternal life; it is the power of eternal life.

Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). However, one needs to also learn the eternal power after learning Christ. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Col. 1:10). This good work is the Lord’s work or the work of Christ. Christ leads one into the knowledge of God. This means it is Christ that leads one to the Father. Christ is the power of God unto salvation, but the revelation of the Father is the revelation of eternal power.

Just as Christ leads to one to the Father, the Father further leads one to God. Anytime the Father is working, it is to lead a soul to God. Works are the secrets of getting to God. Whatever the Father does, He shows the Son. No one can see the Father working without eating the food required to see Him. This food restores the sight of the soul and gives it the capacity to see the Father. To see the Father means to discern and align your heart with divine wisdom to carry out God’s work. One who sees the Father is one who is wise to read God. There is an attitude of divine wisdom shown in the ability to interpret divine works. One who has attained this ability will possess the knowledge of the Father. This knowledge is not in terms of storage of information; it stems out from doing the works of the Father.

We see God by wisdom; and it is by the word of God that we receive this capacity to see Him. God always comes with His word to instruct the carrier on what to do. "Hearing" is the first eating while "doing" is the second eating. The second eating is to chew the cud. This is when the food enters into the body. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (Jam. 1:25). It is a blessing to hear; but it is by doing the word that one is "blessed indeed". The phrase "forgetful hearer" means one can forget the words of everlasting life.

The perfect law of liberty speaks of everlasting things. “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass…” (Jam. 1:23). The mirror shows the Father through His word. When you see the Father and do His word, you will harness everlasting life to yourself. This is the realm where God is taking us to – a place where we will use what we have gathered.

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17). The living fountains of water speaks of everlasting life. The purpose of the seal of the living God is to make the 144,000 daystars. This is so that they can be harvested as morning stars. A seal is the star of every work. Jesus finished the work and got the seal to become a Daystar. He died as a Daystar on the cross and was raised as the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16). "Everlasting life" is the day while "Eternal Life" is the morning. One beautiful thing about stars is that they can merge into one massive star that Satan cannot handle. We must keep growing till we are raised into oneness by the powers of everlasting life, so that we can be eternally sealed. We are not there yet; we must do and finish the works of God to arrive at this place.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall…” (2 Pet. 1:10). To make our calling and election sure is to attain everlasting life. It is a realm for sure people – a realm of the sure Word (2 Pet.1:19). This sure place is where we become blameless before God and unreproveable (Col. 1:22). Anyone who can endure the works of everlasting life will attain eternal life.

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (Jam. 1:20). This means that no one can do the works of everlasting life by sheer will or human power; it takes meekness to do everlasting works. Meekness entails waiting for God. This has to do with seeing Jesus, keeping His word consistently as He comes to you, then receiving His Father as He shows and brings you to Him.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” (John 14:23). The Father and the Son abiding with you is a certification of everlasting life for a sealing unto eternal life. This state of abode qualifies one for the realm of eternal life. The Father abides until eternal life comes. This is a race to be run with patience. In this season, more men will be brought into the season of everlasting life. “And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.” (Matt. 20:9). There are men of the 11th hour – those in whom a quick work will be done. The 11th hour workers have more speed; they will arrive at the end with us.

Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing animosity rooted in their cultural and religious differences. The Jews considered themselves God’s chosen people, while the Samaritans were seen as impure due to their mixed heritage. This cultural divide resulted in hostility between the two groups, making interactions between them rare.

The encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well becomes even more significant when considering this historical context. Not only did Jesus engage with a Samaritan, but he also spoke to a woman, breaking through multiple social barriers simultaneously. This act challenged societal norms regarding gender roles, ethnicity, and religious purity.

Jesus’ decision to converse with this particular woman sends a powerful message about inclusivity, love, and acceptance. It challenges societal prejudices by showing that everyone is worthy of compassion, regardless of their background or gender. By doing so, Jesus demonstrated a radical approach to faith that transcended traditional boundaries.

The story of Jesus and the woman at the well serves as an example of how Jesus actively sought out those who were marginalized or deemed unworthy by society. He chose not only to interact with her but also revealed his true identity as the Messiah during their conversation.

This encounter showcases Jesus’ ability to offer spiritual nourishment to all who seek it, regardless of their past or present circumstances. It emphasizes his message of salvation being available for everyone without discrimination or exclusion.

Jesus Christ And The Samaritan Woman’s Story

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.

— John 4:25–26 (NIV)

The dialogue between Jesus and the woman at the well is a captivating encounter that reveals profound truths about faith, worship, and God’s nature. It was about the sixth hour, and as Jesus rested by Jacob’s well, which Jacob had given to his son Joseph, a Samaritan woman approached to draw water. Jesus initiated a conversation with her.

Their interaction began with Jesus asking for a drink of water. Astonished by this request, the Samaritan woman questioned why he would engage with her as a Jew. However, Jesus saw beyond societal barriers, recognizing her spiritual thirst rather than focusing on their differences.

Jesus responded ambiguously to the woman’s surprise, stating that if she knew who was asking for water, she would instead ask him for “living water.” This statement perplexed her since she assumed he had nothing to draw from the well without proper tools.

Curiosity sparked within her as she wondered about this “living water” that could quench all thirst forever. She asks, “Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well?”

Seizing this opportunity to reveal his true identity as the Messiah, Jesus explained that whoever drinks from the well will thirst again. However, those who drink his living water will never be thirsty again. With these words, he offered eternal satisfaction through faith in him.

The woman also realized that Jesus was some kind of prophet. Jesus told her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” And to this, Jesus responded, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

The dialogue then shifted toward matters of worship. The Samaritan woman mentioned how both Jews and Samaritans had distinct places of worship—Jerusalem for Jews and Mount Gerizim for Samaritans. In response, Jesus emphasized that true worship is not confined to specific locations or rituals but is rooted in spirit and truth.

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

— John 4:23 (NIV)

Expanding on this, Jesus revealed God’s nature as a Spirit who seeks genuine worshippers. He highlighted that external practices alone are insufficient; instead, worship must originate from deep within, driven by an authentic connection with God. This revolutionary concept challenged the woman’s preconceived notions and opened her heart to a new understanding of worship.

woman and child looking into a deep well

Symbolism In Jesus’ Interaction With The Woman

The conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is rich in symbolism, offering deeper insights into spiritual truths.

One prominent symbol in this encounter is water, which serves as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment. This living water that Jesus spoke of represents the eternal life that comes from a relationship with God. It signifies a source of fulfillment and satisfaction that goes beyond physical needs.

Furthermore, Jesus explains that true worship is not limited to physical locations or rituals but is rooted in spirit and truth. This challenges conventional notions of religious practices prevalent at that time. Symbolically, Jesus emphasizes that genuine worship involves a personal connection with God rather than mere external observances.

Another significant aspect of this encounter lies in Jesus’ revelation of personal details about the woman’s life. When he mentions her past relationships, it symbolizes his ability to see beyond surface-level interactions and understand our deepest struggles and needs.

By acknowledging her past without judgment, Jesus demonstrates his unconditional love and acceptance. This symbolic act reveals his role as the compassionate Savior who offers forgiveness and redemption to all who come to him.

Reflections: Lessons Learned

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony: “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words, many more became believers.

— John 4:39–41 (NIV)

The story of Jesus and the woman at the well is a powerful story that highlights the transformative nature of grace and redemption. In this encounter, Jesus offers his unconditional love and forgiveness to a marginalized woman, despite her past choices.

Challenging Social Prejudices

In this remarkable encounter, Jesus breaks societal norms by engaging in conversation with a Samaritan woman who had been ostracized due to her lifestyle choices. Jesus knew what she had done, but he treated her with kindness and respect.

Forgiveness

The interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well exemplifies the power of forgiveness. When confronted about her previous relationships, rather than condemning or shaming her, Jesus offers understanding and compassion. He acknowledges her past but focuses on her potential for growth and transformation. This message resonates deeply within us as it reminds us that we too can change our lives for the better.

Redemption

Furthermore, this encounter showcases the concept of redemption. Through their conversation, Jesus helps the woman recognize her worth beyond societal labels. He reveals himself as the source of living water that can quench not only physical thirst but also spiritual longing. By embracing his 

God, you who met the Samaritan woman at the well that day. Meet us in this story from Scripture and in our lives this day. Amen.

Key Scripture

John 4:1-42:

“She said to the people, ‘Come and see a man who has told me everything I’ve done! Could this man be the Christ?’” (John 4:29, CEB)

Who Was the Samaritan Woman at the Well?

Though we are not told this woman’s name, she has the longest conversation with Jesus of any character in the book of John. Yet, throughout the years she has often been maligned or misunderstood because of her sexual history. This history often colors our reading of this episode, so before diving into the rest of her conversation with Jesus, let’s look at this aspect more closely.

Certainly, five marriages is a high number. But in this time period, it was not unreasonable. Widowhood was a common experience in a culture where women were married very young. Divorce in order to gain a more socially advantageous marriage was also not uncommon, though it is unclear if the Samaritans allowed women to apply for it without a male guardian as the Romans may have. So, it seems most likely that her many marriages were not a result of her choice.[1]

Her current situation, living with a man who is not her husband, could be the result of several possible scenarios. She could be a concubine, which was a legal arrangement but with lesser status than marriage. If the two partners in the relationship were not of equal social status or wanted to avoid inheritance issues, they might choose this option. She could also be a second wife, a role which was also socially acceptable but not considered of the same status as the first wife. Perhaps most importantly, we should notice that Jesus does not condemn her status but simply acknowledges “what you have said is true” (4:18), as he continues to engage her in theological dialogue, to which we now turn.

Digging Deeper

Jesus meets this Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well after a morning’s journey and disregards social custom by asking her for a drink. This boundary crossing between a Jew and a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences. Like all Samaritans, she traces her ancestry back to Jacob. She reveres this place but is curious about this stranger who promises something greater. She has a good grasp on her own tradition’s beliefs, so she asks, “Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this well?” (4:12). And yet, she is eager for the eternal abundance Jesus promises.

Jesus promises living water that gives eternal life and invites her to bring the rest of her household—specifically, her husband—to receive the goodness he is offering. This turns the conversation to her personal history and current marital situation. She responds honestly and succinctly, “I have no husband” (4:17). 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. Without judgement, he relays the fuller story of her past, and she immediately understands that he is a prophet who knows and speaks the truth. She decides to take their theological discussion a step further and asks him about the proper place for worship, one of the major differences between Jews and Samaritans. 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).

Jesus’s mention of the future raises her hopes for the coming Messiah. She speaks of her anticipation of the fuller understanding she will receive when the Messiah comes. 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. She has met the Messiah, the one she has been hoping for. At that moment, the disciples interrupt their conversation, but she has heard all she needs to hear. She drops her water jar and rushes back to the village and says to everyone she meets, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done. He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” (4:29).

She Is Called and We Are Called

The Samaritan woman listens with open attentiveness to Jesus as she asks him questions about her faith and hope. The longer she talks with him, the more her understanding grows until she sees the full truth: Jesus is the Messiah. Throughout this conversation she demonstrates a posture of discipleship, learning from Jesus, and now she is called as an evangelist. She leaves her water jar behind—just as the disciples left their fishing nets—a sign of her complete embrace of this calling to follow Jesus. She returns to her town and effectively shares her own experience with Jesus, inviting the villagers to come and see if they reach the same conclusion about him. In the end, “Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony” (John 4:39).