Setting the scene

Jesus was travelling; partly to spread his message but also because He was beginning to experience opposition from the Pharisees. It was the start of his ministry, not the time to confront them, so he travelled back towards Galilee and stopped in Sychar, weary and in need of refreshment. He sat by Jacob’s well, on the property originally owned by Jacob (see Genesis 33:18–19). The well was almost 50 metres deep, and would have taken a huge amount of work to dig as the local ground was limestone and rocky earth. But what was unique about the well was that it was fed by an underground spring that ensured it always had a fresh supply of water.

What I find so fascinating about this passage is the personal interaction that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman. It reveals such a compassionate heart that reached far beyond social conventions of the day and, as such, challenges me to the core. It also tells us a little more about why Jesus was so captivating to those He met.

Crossing the social divide

Many commentaries agree that the Samaritan woman was there at a time of day other than the usual times women went to gather water (which happened twice – in the morning and later in the evening). She was probably making a trip to the well then to avoid bumping into anyone, especially those that knew her reputation. And yet she finds someone there this time...

Jesus reaches out in compassion to a woman who was known to be in sin and who was also of a race that he ‘shouldn’t’ be talking to (there was obviously also the taboo of her being a woman on her own). Jesus broke down the social barriers of the time in this simple act but also showed real sensitivity. She must have felt uncomfortable being at the well with a man, and a Jewish one at that – a race that hated Samaritans.

The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) John 4:8-9

I think it is important that we really understand how deeply that hatred ran. Phil Moore, in his Straight to the Heart of John, cites the Jewish Malmud:

‘the daughters of Samaritans are as [dirty as] menstruating women from the cradle’ (Niddah 4:1, part of the Mishnah.)

Doesn’t this make it even more shocking that Jesus spoke to her, even affirming her value by acknowledging his need and asking if she could help quench his thirst? She must have been really surprised, but also relieved. And so their two-way conversation unfolded…

This Bible Study continues next week.