Jesus Meets the Samaritan Women

A crow was almost dying of thirst when he spied a pitcher, but he found that it was nearly empty. The little water in it was so low, that try as he might, he was unable to reach it. He then tried to ... More

Thirst

To avoid conflict with the Pharisees, who were alarmed at His increasing popularity, Jesus left Judea and started north for Galilee (vv. 1-3) It states that “He must needs go through Samaria” (v. 4). An Orthodox Jew would have crossed the Jordan River near Jericho, made his way through Perea, and then crossed back near the Sea of Galilee all to avoid going through Samaria. This was because of their long-standing, deep hatred for the Samaritans. The Samaritans were a mixed race, part Jew and part Gentile. This was a result of their intermarriages that took place during the Assyrian Captivity of the ten northern tribes in 727 B.C.

Because Jesus was on a divinely appointed schedule and was no respecter of persons, He went through Samaria. Earlier, He had counseled a moral Jewish man (Chapter 3), and now He would be witnessing to an immoral Samaritan woman. He and His disciples stopped at Jacob’s well near Sychar at about the sixth hour which is thought to be at noontime, though it may possibly have been six in the evening (v. 5). The disciples went on to do some shopping while Jesus waited at the well (v. 6).

 

Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw some water, and Jesus asked her to give Him a drink (vv. 7-8). The woman was amazed at this request because of the animosity between Jews and Samaritans (v. 9). Having aroused her curiosity, Jesus then pointed out that she was ignorant of three important facts: Who He was, what He had to offer, and how she could receive it. When He spoke about living water, she interpreted His words to mean literal water (vv. 10-15).

 

Application

If I never get thirsty and want a drink physically, I have a problem. If I find myself never getting thirsty spiritually for the Word of God, I have a more serious problem.

John 4:1-15 (English Standard Version)


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