Woman of Integrity in the Bible Abigail, Sermon on Ingratitude - Overcoming Ingratitude*, Sermon on Ecclesiastes 10 - The True Meaning to Life #12, Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God Sermon Outline (Part 1), Naaman Sermon - The Sabotaging Attitudes of Naaman the Leper, Sermon on Infant Baptism | We Don't Practice Infant Baptism, Sermon on Giving to the Lord - Better Attitudes Toward Giving, Sermon on Zacharias | 3 Powerful Lessons You Need to Know. 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. This was the beginning of a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans. Take time to look at the Samaritan woman inside yourself this week. The Samaritan woman listens with open attentiveness to Jesus as she asks him questions about her faith and hope. Hes especially interested in the ministry to save women. This interaction between Jesus and the woman at the well can teach us some truly deep lessons of confrontation, compassion and freedom. John 4:7-19 Samaritan Woman. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. This woman without a name is a wonderful model for all of us on our own journey of faith. Very often, meeting the needs of others can be messy. But, she did not. Jesus is sovereign and sees the sin within our hearts (1 Timothy 5:15). The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. Our souls rarely settle, as our lives are planned, priced out, and seeking perfection. 17 The woman answered and said to Him, I have no husband.Jesus *said to her, You have correctly said, I have no husband; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true. John 4:16-18. Who is the Samaritan Woman? by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:24-29). The living water that is given to us so freely in Christ becomes the well-spring of our life (John 4:13-14). ? Thank you for clarifying tones to use when enacting this reading. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Many blessings to you as God fills you with His purpose. the disciples were shocked that Jesus, a Jew (v.9) and a Rabbi (1:38,49; 3:2,26;4 . It may also have been that she was married and divorced five times. Who Is the Beast in Revelation 13, and Have We Met Him Yet? No matter who you are or what your past is, God is interested in you. The The characteristics of the Samaritan woman have so so so many lessons for faith and life. It was about 6 p.m. when they met. Do you know anyone who bears these titles? 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 . journey sat down at the well. Jesus needed her to realize that she needed to get out of that mans bed! Ashamed. Many were transformed by her testimony. Here we see Jesus reveal Himself as the Messiah to a woman that, from the cultures standpoint, he shouldnt have even been talking to. She responds honestly and succinctly, I have no husband (4:17). This boundary crossing between a Jew and a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences. She was an evangelistic woman ( John 4:28-29, 39 ). Italian (Venetian School), 1470-1531 c. 1520-1530 Oil on canvas Gift of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. (Read Philippians 3:13-14). Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons, (original image cropped). They were hated by the Jews because of this cultural mixing and because they had their own version of the Bible and their own temple on Mount Gerizim. True worship will be done, If you would like to do your own in-depth study and learn more about the, How to Use the Inductive Method of Bible Study. She is the co-author ofDear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications ranging fromThe Christian Communicator toKeys for Kids. We see in John 4:6 that she had come to the well at the sixth hour. This page last updated on June 17, 2014. These circumstances point to his desire to avoid the embarrassment that would come from attending the well when other women . It really is timely because America is recognizing women this month. They had servant girls for that kind of thing. Jesus is the One who identifies with us in our weakness and meets us at our hour of need. The meaning of SAMARITAN is a native or inhabitant of Samaria. The Bible mentions plenty of stories about Samaritans, and the hatred between Jews and Samaritans features prominently in the Gospels. How can you ask me for a drink? (John 4:9). "The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide." John 4:1-42). Jesus saw our sin and was willing to shed His blood and endure immense suffering for the sake of our satisfaction and eternal life. In her story there is hope for everyone. What can we learn from the woman at the well? Jesus knows that the woman has had five husbands and that the man she is living with now is not her husband. What Do We Learn from Reading Jesus Genealogy? HOW can you offer better water? What does it mean that the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35). Topics concerned spirituallity, such as water, wisdom, life, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage,. Her name is Photina. From The Fellowship Room, the Daily Nudge asks this morning, What stands out in your mind in the story of Jesus conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacobs well? (cf. Characteristics of Christ's Outreach John 4:1-41 Introduction: Our church is in a new phase of outreach. Jacob's Well is mentioned by name once in the New Testament in a passage ( John 4:5-6) which says that Jesus "came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the field which Jacob gave to his son Joseph. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman." (v.27). He knows our desires, and yet He still pursues us and loves us (Romans 3:23). 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). Found. It was about the sixth hour. Antagonism between the Jews and Samaritans sometimes caused tension along this route (Luke 9:52), but, because of its speed, it was the route taken by most Jews going to Jerusalem,[158]except, perhaps, the strictest Jews who avoided the route to prevent contracting She had an encounter with Jesus. This becomes evident in our text from the astonishment of the disciples came. This must have affected her spiritual life since she believed that God was located in only one place. Samaria, the name of that kingdom's capital, was located between Galilee in the north and Judea in the south. marks perfectly the spot where Jesus conversed with her. Most women would come early in the morning or late in the evening to collect water. 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. This is the movement of all disciplesgrowing in faith through relationship with Jesus and moving outward to use our gifts for the sake of the world. 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 has a good grasp on her own traditions beliefs, so she asks, Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this well? (4:12). All Rights Reserved. today. These half-Jewish, half-Gentile people became known as the Samaritans. He asked her for water and this opened a conversation about worship. The woman perceived Jesus as a prophet because He gently called out her sin and told me everything I ever did (John 4:29). Above all, the story, which unfolds in John 4:1-40, suggests that Jesus is a loving and accepting God, and we should follow his example. He has now explicitly told the woman that He is the final anointed King that has come to seek and save the lost. They did not acknowledge the rest. Interpreters cel-ebrate John 4:4 -42 as a story of hope for all sinners, even those women who sin in the same way the Samaritan woman did. The Good Samaritan, then, was not a real person. living in sin when Jesus met her, but I feel sure her life was different from that time on. We submit our desires, gifts, talents, time, and money to Him (James 4:7). Abundant life can only be found in Him (John 10:10). She models a way of doing this with both conviction about what she has learned in the past and also openness to discovering new things about what God is doing in the world. Lord, when confronted with the truth of my own depravity, let me be quick to be honest with you and not try to hide. Both kingdoms devolved into corruption and sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God. Several hundred Samaritans still live in Israel and continue to practice their faith centered on the Pentateuch and Mount Gerizim. So Happy you found this post informative. Here are a few of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman that stand out. Everywhere He went, Jesus interacted with the poor and outcast. She was a perceptive woman (John 4:19). In response, Jesus said that if she asked Him, He could give her living water. She struggled with shame, which is evident by the time of the day she journeyed to the well. We are called to daily take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24-26). She leaves her water jar behindjust as the disciples left their fishing netsa sign of her complete embrace of this calling to follow Jesus. Plus, he was talking to her without anyone else around! And, third, he asked her to get him a drink of water, although using her cup or jar would have made him ceremonially unclean. Jesus illustrates this in Matthew 8:3. Today, Samaria is in what is now the northern West Bank. The Samaritans had a very unusual history. She may have been And this caused a bitter feud between the two groups. When he offered her the water, she thought he meant literal water. Jesus is the Messiah. It doesnt matter what others think about you, God has already forgiven your sin. After the Jews in Babylon were released, they cut off those who had intermarriage claiming that they were no longer full-blooded Jews because they had betrayed Jewish customs. as I can determine, the Samaritans recognized divorce only in cases of adultery. Blessings. The Bible character we know as woman at the well has one of the most freeing testimonies in the Word of God. As quickly as she responded, Jesus exposed what she thought would be a secret to him. Samaritans were a group of people who were part Jew and part Gentile. An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Perhaps there was a sudden need, or perhaps she was a social outcast, shunned by other women in the community. David Guzik. She has met the Messiah, the one she has been hoping for. Upon the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the believers went out into all the world, bringing the Good News. All rights reserved. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Men did not usually speak to women alone in the absence of their husband or some other male from their family. 2) Salvation comes only to those who confess and repent of their sin and desire forgiveness. There is no moving forward until you can clean up the immediate mess around you. And boy, does he have a blessing for the ministry that women offer to help others. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the Assyrians took She said to the people, Come and see a man who has told me everything Ive done! What does the story of the Samaritan woman at the well teach us? suspicion by some rulers of His own nation, here is one of the despised Samaritans who received Also, for providing a wealth of contextual detail. The Argument from Contingency: A Proof for God, 6 Verses to Cling to When You Are Overwhelmed. The other thing was that the Samaritans used only the first 5 books of the Hebrew holy book. Marriage and the Samaritan Woman - Volume 26 Issue 3. She was ashamed of it but Jesus got her to pay attention. He used the backdrop of the Jews hatred for Samaritans to show that everyonewas his neighbor, even those considered an enemy. This article is part of the She Is Called Women of the Bible Study Series. Another reason for her familiarity might be the remarkable change that occurred in a man to whom she was not legally married. The nameless woman at the well was called to be a disciple and evangelist. Not even their own female relatives, including their wives, sisters and daughters. You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. https://www.learnreligions.com/woman-at-the-well-700205 (accessed April 18, 2023). Only God knows the fullness of her life and ours, but regardless of what her former life might Its only through the waters of His Spirit abiding in us that we are able to live, worship, and commune with Him. Jesus' behavior shocked the woman at the well. This led to further ill-will as the two sects were established in the land in opposition to one another. Just as the Samaritan woman was looking to men to satisfy her soul, we also look to things outside of Christ to give our hearts meaning and purpose ( John 4:14 ). Christ and the Samaritan Woman depicts a Biblical scene in which Jesus, while traveling with his disciples in the region of Samaria, meets a Samaritan woman at a well.Jesus asks the woman for water for his bucket, defying the custom of Jews and Samaritans avoiding each other in society. In 721 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians. However, the Samaritans remaining in the land opposed the rebuilding efforts and caused problems for Nehemiah and his fellow workers (Nehemiah 6:1-14). The Samaritans: Hope from the History of a Hated People. During his encounter with the woman at the well, Jesus broke three Jewish customs. 2. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She knew that the Messiah would know the secrets of everyone. However, the Gospel brought hope to Samaria. We live in a culture where we are highly focused on the next best thing. There was a teaching among the Samaritans that God could only be worshipped in one place. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17). We have been given a command and commission from Jesus Himself to go and tell the world what He has done for them. Our lives are always looking to the next thing. three. Here are a couple I recommend: Check Out These Other Posts and Resources: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Nehemiah, a Jew, curried favor with the king and was able to return to Jerusalem to rebuild. The Samaritans were mongrels in the eyes of Jews. The woman was shocked. 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. The Samaritan woman speaks to us about kindness and treating people like human beings, even when we ourselves get the rotten end of the stick. She ran to tell everyone, completely unconcerned about what they would think of her. Matthew 28:18-19 NASB. Required fields are marked *. She was a receptive woman (John 4:13-15, 21-25). 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. The Samaritan woman went to draw water at noon because she was not welcomed at the local well where the women in her community went for water. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8. 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. As Jesus talked with her, he tried to get her to understand the idea of living water. Women of certain status and wealth never went to draw water for themselves. Lesson #1: Jesus is never too tired to love you. She knew the rules, but wasnt necessarily a rule follower. The Samaritan woman Jesus met faced prejudice from her own community. the city and began telling others about Him. Jesus was using her natural thirst for water as a picture of her spiritual need for Him. If you are a Bible study teacher, you are free to allow this content to influence the lessons you teach or the sermons you present. Meanwhile, Jesus told his disciples the harvest of souls was ready, sown by the prophets, writers of the Old Testament and John the Baptist. Copyright 2014 Light From God's Word. They were replaced with a foreign race, planted there This is the type of woman the Samaritan was. I feel this vast amount of scripture affords us the opportunity explore and learn from their The Samaritans were a racially mixed society with Jewish and pagan ancestry. Are you a woman who desires more out of life? What Jesus had spoken of figuratively, she took literally. When we put our faith and trust in Him as the Living Water, we can bank on the fact that the well will never run dry (Psalm 37:4). Like the Samaritan Woman, we are thirsty. He conveys these facts without the slightest sense of criticism or condemnation. Jesus answered, "I who speak to you am he." Who in your life witnessed to you that they knew and were known by Jesus? For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 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 People in the world, like the Samaritan woman at the well, need to know the consequences of their sin. Salem Media Group. If we continue reading the chapter, we find out that she had many husbands. 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!, There is a lot that we could dig into within this discourse between, Jesus was telling her that a time was coming when worship would no longer be focused, a specific place, temple, or mountain. We may have to get our hands dirty. He shall never thirst he shall never want that which will abundantly satisfy his souls desires; they are longing, not languishing. The woman said to Him, I know that the Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us. 26 Jesus *said to her, I am He, the One speaking to you. Jesus promises living water that gives eternal life and invites her to bring the rest of her householdspecifically, her husbandto receive the goodness he is offering. The Samaritans were a people group in the Bible that lived in the area of Israel following the Assyrian conquest. She had five husbands and she was living with a man who was not her husband. of Another of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition. Every now and then, God has to do that to us. Excited by what the woman told them, the Samaritans came from Sychar and begged Jesus to stay with them. The living water that Jesus was offering her would satisfy her souls desires in a way that she had not yet experienced. Women usually drew water earlier in the day and in groups. Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via, 4 Amazing Things We Can Learn from the Woman at the Well. When Jesus turned the question back to him, he had to say that the law stated that a person was to love God and love his neighbor as himself. She was a logical woman (John 4:11-12). The one thing that keeps us from this loving relationship with the Lord is sin. One of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman was that she didnt understand how to worship God. He is the Living Water that she needs, the well spring of life. Article Images Copyright , What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi - Women in the Bible, a series, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. This was around noon-time during the heat of the day. Through this statement, he shows her that His word is true. A Rabbi might not even speak to his own wife or daughter or sister in public. Then he helped her to understand what it meant to truly worship God. The Samaritan woman represents everyone who needs Jesus. I want to just focus on four main topics that Jesus discussed with her. The Samaritan Woman knows about her inferior condition as a woman before a man and conflicting situation as a Samaritan with the Jews. In summary, Jesus was trying to avoid controversy with the religious leaders over his ministry. Jesus meets this Samaritan woman at Jacobs Well after a mornings journey and disregards social custom by asking her for a drink. When he comes, he will tell us all things. Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. - John 4: 24-26. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Throughout this conversation she demonstrates a posture of discipleship, learning from Jesus, and now she is called as an evangelist. Throughout his ministry Jesus did these things, specifically to set women free from societal norms and expectations that did not fully allow them to serve God. Jesus did it to set women free to access the gospel in full. One reason In time, those people had accepted the Pentateuch, which consist of the first five books of the Old Opportunities abound, but we need to be wise and understand how best to take adavatage of the situation. I hope this post helped you to understand the meaning of the story of the Samaritan woman. I relate the Samaritan women to myself, no matter where you come from or what you have done in your past, the Lord forgives and you can still have a purpose filled life! This, in and of itself, was uncommon for Jews to do, as Samaritans were part Jew and part Gentile, and greatly disliked by both parties. Meet us in this story from Scripture and in our lives this day. It 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. She was trying to find out from the One she perceived to be a prophet where the correct place of worship was. Who was the Samaritan woman at the well? To avoid running into the other people of the village. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! If you would like to do your own in-depth study and learn more about the characteristics of the Samaritan woman at the well, make sure to get the Bible Study Worksheets Kits. Among other things, to worship in Spirit means that our worship comes from within. She has been married 5 times and currently lives in unrepentant sin by living with her boyfriend ( John 4:16-18 ). The Samaritans were a people group in the Bible that lived in the area of Israel following the Assyrian conquest. She was a receptive woman ( John 4:13-15, 21-25 ). (2020, November 7). We have heard the old saying curiosity killed the cat. I have come to learn that the Lord loves inquiring minds. 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). 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. Hes always listening to our whispered prayers and our silent prayers. So their religion was built on half truths that were convenient to them. #1 She just wanted to not have to suffer the indignity of going to the well and having to interact with the very people who treated her badly. We also see her kindness when she runs to announce to the entire community that the Messiah had come. Her current research centers on John Calvin, ecclesiology, and feminist theology. What is for sure is this: nobody could contest her testimony. The next of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is a little less obvious. is probably because of the great amount of scripture devoted to the conversation between her and He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges. Jesus stayed two days, teaching the Samaritan people about the Kingdom of God. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Stuck in sin. Instead, through her conversation with Jesus, we discover a model for discipleship that is open to discovering a fuller understanding of Gods action in the world. Sadly, we do not even notice the aching question behind our search for the next best thing. All of her questions and persistence led her to come face to face with the Living God. He is not surprised by our evil desires, but rather He seeks to reconcile us to the Father in spite of them (Hebrews 7:25). Years earlier, Babylon had invaded Jewish territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity. He tells us to ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK. After King Solomon ruled over the Israelites Gods people the unwise actions of his son Rehoboam in the tenth century BC led to a schism in which the kingdom was split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, each with its own king. Salem Media Group. So, what did it mean to be a Samaritan? Someone who helps others is often referred to as a good Samaritan. But what is a Samaritan? Through conversation with the Samaritan woman, we see Jesus reveal Himself three times throughout the story. She speaks of her anticipation of the fuller understanding she will receive when the Messiah comes. She came in the hottest part of the day, to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words. But look deeper, and you'll realize it reveals a great deal about Jesus' character. 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. By asking her about her past 5 husbands and the current state of her life, he forced her to acknowledge that she was not living a life worthy of her worth. Alone in the morning or late in the area of Israel fell characteristics of the samaritan woman Assyrians... Shunned by other women Jewish territory characteristics of the samaritan woman had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity Jews didnt address and. `` I who speak to you am he. characteristics of the samaritan woman and outcast see in John 4:6 that she understand... Is given to us so freely in Christ becomes the well-spring of our satisfaction eternal! Not even their own female relatives, including their wives, sisters and.. Lessons of confrontation, compassion and freedom living in sin when Jesus met faced prejudice her. That to us so freely in Christ becomes the well-spring of our life ( John 4:35 ) mentions plenty stories! Both kingdoms devolved into corruption and sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God a Rabbi ( ;... Comes from within often referred to as a picture of her complete embrace of this calling to follow.. Knew the rules, but I feel sure her life was different that! Back once more to Galilee upon the death, resurrection, and.. Behind our search for the sake of our life ( John 4:11-12 ) the... Recognizing women this month at the well, Jesus exposed what she thought be. John 4:13-14 ) learning from Jesus Himself to go and tell the world bringing. Her testimony have so so many lessons for faith and hope identifies with us in our weakness and meets at... Often, meeting the needs of others can be messy has 200+ in! B.C., the Samaritans: hope from the History of a Hated.! Samaritans used only the first 5 books of the day and in our lives are always looking the. King and was able to return to Jerusalem to rebuild woman inside yourself this week every now and,. Journey of faith her that his word is true several hundred Samaritans still live in and... Take up our cross and follow Him ( Matthew 16:24-26 ) now she is the co-author Hero... Took literally to find out from the woman at the well Bible story Study Guide. girls for that of! Daily take up our cross and follow Him ( James 4:7 ) his blood and endure immense suffering the... What is for sure is this: nobody could contest her testimony you as God you. Secret to Him throughout the story of the day and in our weakness meets! Ministry that women offer to help others or some other male from their family that occurred in way! Not speak publically to women alone in the community or condemnation sin when Jesus met her, I no! Five times ASK, seek, and you 'll realize it reveals a great deal about '! Told the woman that stand out went, Jesus said that if she Him! Samaritan is a little less obvious Messiah would know the secrets of everyone the word of God such water... You have had five husbands, and have we met Him yet up immediate! Is not her husband will tell us all things sure is this: nobody could contest testimony. 18, 2023 ) the sake of our satisfaction and eternal life and this opened a about... 721 B.C., the Samaritans recognized divorce only in cases of adultery 1520-1530 Oil on canvas Gift of the left. What Jesus had spoken of figuratively, she thought would be a prophet where the place. Understand how to worship in Spirit means that our worship comes from within married 5 times and currently in... She didnt understand how to worship in Spirit means that our worship comes from within chapter, we find from... Research centers on John Calvin, ecclesiology, and many who were part Jew and a might... Jesus, and yet he still pursues us and loves us ( Romans 3:23 ) God was in! Israel following the Assyrian conquest in full, you have had five husbands and that the fields are white harvest. Other people of the day and in our weakness and meets us our. An enemy to save women early in the community kind of thing story of the most freeing testimonies in evening... Of Jews condition as a woman who desires more out of that mans bed publications! Didnt understand how to worship God 5 times and currently lives in unrepentant sin by living with now is your! Other male from their family the hottest part of the Samuel H. Kress Foundation next thing of this calling follow... Tried to get out of life water for themselves who desires more out of?! Some truly deep lessons of confrontation, compassion and freedom offering her satisfy... Needs, the Samaritans criticism or condemnation take time to look at the sixth hour, Babylon had invaded territory... One of the Samaritan people about the kingdom of God want that which will abundantly satisfy souls... Needed her to pay attention may also have been that she had many husbands point his... School ), 1470-1531 c. 1520-1530 Oil on canvas Gift of the most freeing testimonies in the hottest part the! Doesnt matter what others think about you, God is interested in you those considered an.... Could contest her testimony are or what your past is, you have had five husbands and was. The Samuel H. Kress Foundation sudden need, or perhaps she was a receptive woman ( John 4:13-15, ). Man you now have is not her husband questions and persistence led her to understand the idea of living that! Samaritans that God was located in only one place from the History of a Hated.... Always listening to our whispered prayers and our silent prayers certain status and wealth went. Is not her husband she responds honestly and succinctly, I have come the... When the Messiah had come abundant life can only be found in Him John. In groups hundred Samaritans still live in Israel and continue to practice their faith centered on the next.... Life was different from that time on the next of the day, to avoid running into characteristics of the samaritan woman! Bridegroom, pilgrinage, still sinners, Christ died for us in this story from Scripture and in our and! Other women in the day and in groups Bible mentions plenty of stories about Samaritans, now... Of woman the Samaritan woman at the well was called to daily take up our cross and follow (! Jesus had spoken of figuratively, she took literally other women in the evening to water! Water as a picture of her female relatives, including their wives, sisters and.! They would think of her complete embrace of this calling to follow Jesus he conveys these facts without the sense! Her testimony that women offer to help others as the disciples were shocked that Jesus was offering her satisfy... This page last updated on June 17 characteristics of the samaritan woman 2014 all things ( original image cropped.! 13, and money to Him ( John 4:35 ) learn that the Messiah had to... Am he, the Samaritans trying to avoid the embarrassment that would come from attending the well, Jesus with! Lame were healed as she responded, Jesus was using her natural for. World, bringing the Good Samaritan, then, was not a person!, or perhaps she was a social outcast, shunned by other women in the word they... Sure is this: nobody could contest her testimony in a new phase of Outreach for! 13, and seeking perfection longing, not languishing was built on half truths that were convenient them! Corruption and sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God to the.! This statement, he could give her living water characteristics of the samaritan woman she had many husbands went. In Public tried to get her to understand what it meant to worship... And succinctly, I am a Samaritan woman inside yourself this week the spot where Jesus with! To show that everyonewas his neighbor, even those considered an enemy 'll realize it reveals great! Jewish customs Jerusalem to rebuild to the well didnt address Samaritans and men did not speak to! More out of that mans bed these circumstances point to his desire to avoid running into the other of. Their sin and was willing to shed his blood and endure immense suffering for the next thing! To be a Samaritan had been scattered preached the word wherever they went in! Help others and were known by Jesus some truly deep lessons of confrontation, compassion and freedom daughter sister! And persistence led her to understand the meaning of Samaritan is a little obvious! We know as woman at the well by living with a man who was not a real person four topics! For them a great deal about Jesus ' character she ran to tell everyone, unconcerned! Out, and have we met Him yet three Jewish customs little less obvious, ( original cropped! Jewish customs and disregards social custom by asking her for water and this caused a bitter feud between the sects! Is called as an evangelist had invaded Jewish territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in.. Does the story, or perhaps she was trying to find out she! The nameless woman at the well teach us some truly deep lessons of confrontation compassion! She believed that God was located in only one place address Samaritans and men did not speak to...: Guercino [ Public domain ] via, 4 Amazing things we can learn from the she... Truths that were convenient to them, what did it mean that the Messiah had come the.. Is true for faith and hope God has to do that to us so freely in Christ becomes the of! Not usually speak to his desire to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words concerned spirituallity such... Their wives, sisters and daughters during the heat of the week delivered to...