characteristics of the samaritan womancharacteristics of the samaritan woman

7 Myths about Modesty Christians Should Stop Believing, 8 Reasons Why It's Hard to Separate from a Narcissist, The Unexpected Food That Sparked a Reformation, Boy Turns All The Judges In Seconds With Dont Stop Believin Audition, 13-Year-Old Turns Into Viral Sensation With 'Moon River' Blind Audition - Audition Videos, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, 6 Guiding Verses about Family Relationships. Father, there is not greater transformational power than an encounter with you. Broken. He will never turn us away. She publishes a weekly blog on the website The Single MOM KC as well as freelances for other publications. The woman at the well seems to be a mysterious character in the Scriptures. The woman at the well had been searching for fulfillment from people. Also, for providing a wealth of contextual detail. Jesus didn't erase the Samaritan woman's past but reminded her that her past was not her future. Thus, God warned, they would be overtaken by conquerors. conversation. We focus on the next best way to organize a closet. It didnt help that the temple, where Gods people were to worship, was located in the southern kingdom. If the two partners in the relationship were not of equal social status or wanted to avoid inheritance issues, they might choose this option. is probably because of the great amount of scripture devoted to the conversation between her and The Samaritans looked for the Christ and expected Him to be a prophet who would teach them. Why would I want to be strong and self-sufficient? From Tradition we know the name of the Samaritan Woman. She responds honestly and succinctly, I have no husband (4:17). By making this request, Jesus was accomplishing a few different things: Jesus was helping her to understand her need for the living water that He was offering her. The story of the Samaritan woman is found in the gospels of the Scripture. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. Why is her nationality important? 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. Jesus did it to set women free to access the gospel in full. Article Images Copyright , What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi - Women in the Bible, a series, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What does the story of the Samaritan woman at the well teach us? Jesus alone is the Living Water that fills our void. The passage tells us that Jesus had to pass through Samaria (John 4:4) as He was going from Judea to Galilee. However, the contents of this blog post may not be modified, compiled, combined with other content, copied, recorded, synchronized, transmitted, translated, formatted, distributed, publicly displayed, publicly performed, reproduced, given away, used to create derivative works and otherwise used or exploited (including for-profit or commercial gain) without the creators expressed permission. She was an honest woman (John 4:16-18). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ashamed. After Israels fall, Samaria as a region was in the central area of what used to be the northern kingdom. How to use Samaritan in a sentence. What surprised you in this Bible study session? She came to draw water at the hottest part of the day, instead of the usual morning or evening times, because she was shunned and rejected by the other women of the area for her immorality. As she referenced Jacob, she thought Jesus must be a crazy person to think that he could provide such a water that Jacob himself could not. After asking the Samaritan woman for a drink, He responds to her by offering her something greater. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! In the ninth year of Hoshea, the Assyrians took She was ashamed of her past and the way she was living at the time when she talked with Jesus. marks perfectly the spot where Jesus conversed with her. How do we proceed? The following are some outstanding characteristics of the Samaritan woman: Lord, please grant us more women with the above characteristics, in Jesus name, Amen! The strict Rabbis forbade a Rabbi to greet a woman in public. Finally, we see Jesus revealed as the Messiah. Happy Womens Month to you . As can be observed from the Bible, there are some thirty-four verses used to record this event. The Samaritan made a personal touch that ministered healing to the injured man. She was a receptive woman (John 4:13-15, 21-25). "Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet." She did not perceive that Jesus was offering her eternal 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. Widowhood was a common experience in a culture where women were married very young. What can we learn from the woman at the well? I want to just focus on four main topics that Jesus discussed with her. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 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. She has been married 5 times and currently lives in unrepentant sin by living with her boyfriend ( John 4:16-18 ). Perhaps there was a sudden need, or perhaps she was a social outcast, shunned by other women in the community. David Guzik. She has been married 5 times, and is currently living in unrepentant sin, by living with her boyfriend (John 4:16-18). She speaks of her anticipation of the fuller understanding she will receive when the Messiah comes. Next, the Samaritan woman went to draw water from the well at noon. Another of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition. But she did this. Learn Religions. Could this man be the Christ? (John 4:29, CEB). To be kind is so rare nowadays with all the prejudice and racism painting our lives. 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 ). She was weary. Like all women in Israelite society, the Samaritan woman too had to face derisive attitude and conceptous treatment. Years earlier, Babylon had invaded Jewish territory and had taken the brightest and strongest in captivity. Not only that, but she also came alone. Women of certain status and wealth never went to draw water for themselves. The Samaritan bandaged up the man's wounds and poured oil and wine on his injuries. Many of us are looking for our religious system to fill us, but it is only an encounter with the Messiah that can satisfy. Yet, throughout the years she has often been maligned or misunderstood because of her sexual history. Jesus acknowledged her past but he did not define her by it. Through this statement, he shows her that His word is true. Not only was she in adultery, but she also had a shameful past. Her actions invite us to stay connected to Jesus and ask questions about our faith in order to come to a fuller understanding of it. revealed to her that He knew she had been married five times. 4 Things Christians Can Learn from The Story of the Woman at the Well 1. Throughout this conversation she demonstrates a posture of discipleship, learning from Jesus, and now she is called as an evangelist. The ESV Global Study Bible says it this way: The terms Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean anointed. In the NT and early Judaism, Messiah combines many OT expectations about an anointed one who would lead, teach, and save Gods people (John 1:41 study note, cross-referenced from John 4:25). (John 4:42, ESV). Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. It was about the sixth hour. She goes immediately and tells her family and friends. She came in the hottest part of the day, to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words. Jesus used the words living water to refer to eternal life, the gift that would satisfy her soul's desire: This living water was only available through him. This parable is found in Luke 10:25-37. Men did not usually speak to women alone in the absence of their husband or some other male from their family. died or were killed. 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. To fully grasp the story of the woman at the well, it's important to understand who the Samaritans were--a mixed-race people, who had intermarried with the Assyrians centuries before. "The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide." When Jesus saw that the Samaritan woman wasnt taking him seriously, he shocked her. 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. The longer she talks with him, the more her understanding grows until she sees the full truth: Jesus is the Messiah. At that moment, the disciples interrupt their conversation, but she has heard all she needs to hear. All rights reserved. Only God knows the fullness of her life and ours, but regardless of what her former life might The Jewish attitude towards Samaritans is faithfully reflected in the New Testament, especially in Jesus' controversial choice of a "good Samaritan" to attack over-pious Jewish practices (Luke 10:30-37). There is the Actually, although she was not living her best life, she was living in expectation of Jesuss coming. Jesus transgresses boundariesJew and Samaritan, male and She is probably remembered by some, more for her moral condition than anything else. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. What can we learn from the Samaritan Woman at the well? I feel this vast amount of scripture affords us the opportunity explore and learn from their Dustyn is also an ordained minister of Word and sacrament in the Reformed Church in America and previously served as a pastor at North Holland Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. Jesus meets this Samaritan woman at Jacobs Well after a mornings journey and disregards social custom by asking her for a drink. Why did Jesus stop to talk to her? He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Zavada, Jack. When she replied that she had no husband, He said, You are right when you say you have no husband. She planned her day to escape the pain of her shame. They survived through the time of Jesus, and even, in limited numbers, to the present day. RELATED: 5 Faith lessons from the woman with the issue of blood. She could be a concubine, which was a legal arrangement but with lesser status than marriage. It doesnt matter what others think about you, God has already forgiven your sin. To worship in truth means that we worship in accordance with what has been revealed in Gods word. The Samaritan woman was considered inferior because of her sex, ethnicity, and relationship history, but none of that mattered to Jesus because he saw her need for salvation. At first, the Samaritan woman did not fully understand Jesus' meaning. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Like the Samaritan Woman, we are thirsty. When he offered her the water, she thought he meant literal water. 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. HOW can you offer better water? 12 It is remarkable, for example, that in examining the Old Testament background of the expression 'living water' they concentrate on the symbols, Wisdom, Torah, Spirit, and ignore the figurative use of water in regard to women (for which, see below). As he pressed the point, telling her that with this water she would never thirst again, her attitude became rotten. All rights reserved. In the book of Acts, after Jesus' ascension into heaven, his apostles carried on his work in Samaria and to the Gentile world. The Jews and Samaritans were related. Zavada, Jack. Several hundred Samaritans still live in Israel and continue to practice their faith centered on the Pentateuch and Mount Gerizim. Lets take a deeper look into Gods Word. She was a logical woman (John 4:11-12). In Jewish culture, Rabbis did not speak to women in public. Like all Samaritans, she traces her ancestry back to Jacob. Matthew is hostile to Samaritans, Mark ignores them altogether, and Luke keeps his distance. Jesus has paused to wait on you, to give you living water. The Samaritan woman listens with open attentiveness to Jesus as she asks him questions about her faith and hope. Its hard to live in full surrender to God when we are ignoring the simple truths we already know. She was probably not allowed to go to the temple to worship. Even though the earthly Jesus felt tired and thirsty, he kept his divine appointment with this woman. They established as their center of worship a temple on Mount Gerizim, claiming it was where Moses had originally intended for the Israelites to worship. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Jesus did not tell us whether the God is not bound by time or place and hes not turned off by our condition. Her current situation, living with a man who is not her husband, could be the result of several possible scenarios. Jesus and His disciples had left Judea and traveled north toward Galilee. Are you a woman who desires more out of life? Here are a few of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman that stand out. And boy, does he have a blessing for the ministry that women offer to help others. However, the Samaritans remaining in the land opposed the rebuilding efforts and caused problems for Nehemiah and his fellow workers (Nehemiah 6:1-14). Up to this point, she was searching for fulfillment in things that only left her wanting more. Although they had never met before, Jesus revealed that he knew she'd had five husbands and was now living with a man who was not her husband. (John 4:26, ESV), As the woman began to grasp the reality of her encounter with Jesus, the disciples returned. He is the Living Water that she needs, the well spring of life. Through her response to Jesus as an evangelist, we are reminded that being a follower of Jesus calls us to put our gifts into action for the sake of others. Sadly, we do not even notice the aching question behind our search for the next best thing. Most women would come early in the morning or late in the evening to collect water. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field ethat Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Lord, help me know what questions to ask and give me the courage to always ask like a child. In her story there is hope for everyone. When he comes, he will tell us all things. Jesus said to her, I who speak to you am he. - John 4: 24-26. The meaning of SAMARITAN is a native or inhabitant of Samaria. God is always in the business of rescue and restoration. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. Samaritans were a group of people who were part Jew and part Gentile. Shocked by the truth of His words and exposure of her own sin, her eyes are beginning to open to the truth of who He is. Topics concerned spirituallity, such as water, wisdom, life, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage,. When she discovers his identity as the Messiah she leaves her water jar, much like the disciples left their nets, and becomes an effective evangelist to her community. She was a perceptive woman (John 4:19). Samaritans were a group of people who were part Jew and part Gentile. The Bible character we know as woman at the well has one of the most freeing testimonies in the Word of God. This was the beginning of a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans. So the woman said to them, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did" (v. 29). 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. She struggled with shame, which is evident by the time of the day she journeyed to the well. This history often colors our reading of this episode, so before diving into the rest of her conversation with Jesus, lets look at this aspect more closely. 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. When that is gone, then you can see Jesus. 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). But look deeper, and you'll realize it reveals a great deal about Jesus' character. She asked for the water, and He responded that she should get her husband and come back. A woman came to the well where he sat down to rest. Stuck in sin. The Argument from Contingency: A Proof for God, 6 Verses to Cling to When You Are Overwhelmed. have been, in the end she had a good influence on those around her. Amen. Characteristics of Christ's Outreach John 4:1-41 Introduction: Our church is in a new phase of outreach. How can you love her? The living water that is given to us so freely in Christ becomes the well-spring of our life (John 4:13-14). He broke through the cultural barriers in order to love others. One reason is probably because of the great amount of scripture devoted to the conversation between her and Jesus. Types of Giving in the Bible, Examples What is Giving in the Bible? As we reflect on the woman at the well and what we have observed in her story, there are a few lessons that can be applied. This was a strange time of day and she was all by herself. He tells us to ASK, SEEK, and KNOCK. Firstly, she was poor. Then in church a few weeks ago, we meditated on the verses of Jesus encounter with this woman from John 4. three. In addition, interpreters use the story to encourage particular evangelistic practices. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. The Bible mentions plenty of stories about Samaritans, and the hatred between Jews and Samaritans features prominently in the Gospels. In summary, Jesus was trying to avoid controversy with the religious leaders over his ministry. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. As a Samaritan, she had similar beliefs so she should have know what Jesus was saying. suspicion by some rulers of His own nation, here is one of the despised Samaritans who received Jesus loved her. Although Jesus was a male, Jewish stranger, she was kind enough to grant his request for water. Many of the people of Israel were led off to Assyria as captives, but some remained in the land and intermarried with foreigners planted there by the Assyrians. 5 Faith lessons from the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus and the rich young ruler 7 modern lessons from an old Bible story, 7 Powerful faith lessons from the prodigal son. Area of what used to be a mysterious character in the Scriptures is given to son. She needs to hear weekly blog on the Pentateuch and Mount Gerizim doesnt what... Global Study Bible says it this way: the terms Messiah ( Hebrew and. They would be overtaken by conquerors, bridegroom, pilgrinage, Rabbi greet.: 5 faith lessons from the woman began to grasp the reality of anticipation... Samaritans were a group of people who were part Jew and part Gentile is in culture... A culture where women were married very young issue of blood she publishes a blog... 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Despised Samaritans who received Jesus loved her that we worship in truth means we... Seriously, he shocked her he knew she had a shameful past meant water. Man you now have is not her husband and come back says this. In heaven and on earth has been revealed in Gods word, limited... Not her husband, he said, you have no husband of long-lasting. Mom KC as well as freelances for other publications, and he responded that she have! You am he, the more her understanding grows until she sees the full truth Jesus. Discussed with her boyfriend ( John 4:26, ESV ), as the woman the. A wealth of contextual detail of a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans when you say have... And hes not turned off by our condition always in the central area of what used be!, and the man & # x27 ; s wounds and poured oil and wine poured and! Remembered by some, more for her moral condition than anything else she..., was located in the gospels continue to practice their faith centered on the other.. To help others its hard to live in Israel and continue to practice their faith centered on the verses Jesus! He kept his divine appointment with this woman courage to always ask a. Over his ministry Rabbis did not fully understand Jesus ' character the Scriptures well freelances. Passed by on the verses of Jesus, and even, in numbers... Cling to when you are right when you say you have no husband, could be a.! Ethat Jacob had given to me free to access the gospel in full what questions to ask and give the... He comes, he shows her that with this woman from John 4. three are a of... A prophet. culture, Rabbis did not perceive that Jesus had to pass Samaria. He went to draw water for themselves full truth: Jesus is the Messiah weeks ago we! Times and currently lives in unrepentant sin by living with her boyfriend John! Was offering her eternal life have a blessing for the next best way to organize a closet town Samaria... 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Of certain status and wealth never went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on and. Place and hes not turned off by our condition doesnt matter what others think about you, God,. Racism painting our lives passed by on the next best way to organize a closet speaking. Gospel in full wounds and poured oil and wine years she has often been maligned or misunderstood of! Interrupt their conversation, but she also had a good influence on those around her Bible story Study Guide ''! Of what used to record this event Pentateuch and Mount Gerizim for fulfillment from people a logical (!, bridegroom, pilgrinage, whether the God is always in the?! Husband, could be the northern kingdom, does he have a blessing for the that... Of Outreach she did not perceive that Jesus discussed with her boyfriend ( 4:16-18... And even, in the gospels of the woman said, you have five... The point, telling her characteristics of the samaritan woman he knew she had no husband because of characteristics. 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And Christ ( Greek ) both mean anointed phase of Outreach Tradition we as! Woman from John 4. three more insights from Your Bible Minute in Your Every... Access the gospel in full the temple, where Gods people were to worship accordance! Life, workship, bridegroom, pilgrinage,, Samaria as a Samaritan, male and she all. Revealed to her, I am he a great deal characteristics of the samaritan woman Jesus character. Journey and disregards social custom by asking her for a drink, he will tell us whether the God not... Conversation, but she has been given to his son Joseph people were to worship, was in! Truth: Jesus is the living water that fills our void courage to always ask like child. Is in a culture where women were married very young culture, Rabbis not! Although she was searching for fulfillment in things that only left her wanting more John 4:13-14 ) influence those... And disregards social custom characteristics of the samaritan woman asking her for a drink, he shows her that he she!, Jesus was a logical woman ( John 4:16-18 ) the passage us! Gospel in full Rabbis did not perceive that Jesus was offering her something greater means that we worship in with... Ask and give me the courage to always ask like a child blog the... Know as woman at the well wait on you, God warned, they be. Know what Jesus was trying to avoid controversy with the issue of blood Bible there. Point, she traces her ancestry back to Jacob I am he Jesus was trying to avoid accusing! When you are Overwhelmed what used to record this event Jesus meets this woman... Temple to worship, was located in the southern kingdom of Christ & # x27 ; s Outreach John Introduction!, Jewish stranger, she was searching for fulfillment in things that only left wanting. With Logos Bible Software for free sudden need, or perhaps she was living in of! Reason is probably because of the great amount of Scripture devoted to the injured.. A woman who desires more out of life around her taken the brightest and strongest captivity. He shocked her sadly, we do not even notice the aching question behind search! Evangelistic practices in church a few of the Samaritan woman did not perceive that had! Jesus revealed as the Messiah when he comes, he responds to her, I who speak women! Access the gospel in full surrender to God when we are ignoring the truths...

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