characteristics of the samaritan womancharacteristics of the samaritan woman

Jesus A longing for more and more of God, but not despairing thirst.. Even though the earthly Jesus felt tired and thirsty, he kept his divine appointment with this woman. 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. Jesus is the One who identifies with us in our weakness and meets us at our hour of need. Read my full disclosure. 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. It doesnt matter what others think about you, God has already forgiven your sin. The Samaritan Woman in the Bible Was Living in Adultery, Jesus Conversation with the Woman at the Well, Do Your Own Bible Study of the Woman at the Well, The Samaritan Woman at the Well Commentaries, The strict Rabbis forbade a Rabbi to greet a woman in public. In Jewish culture, Rabbis did not speak to women in public. She did not perceive that Jesus was offering her eternal life. This boundary crossing between a Jew and a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences. There is the Samaritan tradition claims the group descends from the northern Israelite tribes who were not deported by the Neo-Assyrian Empire after the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel. Finally, this was not the closest well to where she lived. 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 is a great summary. The Samaritans are also said to have expected the Messiah, as did the Jews; but they felt Our souls rarely settle, as our lives are planned, priced out, and seeking perfection. The story begins as Jesus and his disciples are traveling from Jerusalem in the south to Galilee in the north. 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. The Samaritans, being a mix of already spiritually corrupt Israelites and pagan foreigners, created a religion for themselves that the Jews considered heresy. She publishes a weekly blog on the website The Single MOM KC as well as freelances for other publications. She goes immediately and tells her family and friends. This must have affected her spiritual life since she believed that God was located in only one place. The Samaritan woman's story exemplifies the grace of God. She had not recognize Jesus from some past meeting, nor was she aware of His true identity. 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 It was known that Samaria was a center of Baal's worship because he was one of the most attractive gods in the ancient world due to his commission of being the god of storms, rain and fertility, which the land of Samaria was longing for. Perhaps like the Samaritan woman, we need only acknowledge our place of brokenness, that place where we are attempting find satisfaction: I have no husband.. HOW can you offer better water? True worship will be done in spirit and in truth. We no longer need the next best thing, because Jesus is the greatest thing that will ever happen to us. today. Tired and thirsty, Jesus sat by Jacob's well while his disciples went to the village of Sychar, roughly a half-mile away, to buy food. Satan Tempts Jesus in the Wilderness Bible Study Guide, Jesus and the Children Bible Story Study Guide, Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story Study Guide, The Wedding at Cana Details Jesus' First Miracle, The Birth of Moses Bible Story Study Guide, Parable of the Lost Sheep Bible Story Study Guide, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. Think Daniel and the three Hebrew boys in Babylon. Could this man be the Christ? (John 4:29, CEB). Samaria was a dessert town and the heat of the day was not the time to be filling up the jars of water. Jesus saw our sin and was willing to shed His blood and endure immense suffering for the sake of our satisfaction and eternal life. 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. The Samaritan bandaged up the man's wounds and poured oil and wine on his injuries. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! her life. What Do We Learn from Reading Jesus Genealogy? One reason is probably because of the great amount of scripture devoted to the conversation between her and Jesus. Matthew is hostile to Samaritans, Mark ignores them altogether, and Luke keeps his distance. Next, Jesus is revealed as a prophet. It Jesus loved her. What did Jesus mean when He said, I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)? Jesus was coming to establish something new. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. To the Jews, a Samaritan was more revolting than a Gentile (pagan); Samaritans were half-breeds who defiled the true religion. This is the type of woman the Samaritan was. Jesus and the woman discussed their views on worship, and the woman voiced her belief that the Messiah was coming. Certainly, five marriages is a high number. The Argument from Contingency: A Proof for God, 6 Verses to Cling to When You Are Overwhelmed. 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. The strict Rabbis forbade a Rabbi to greet a woman in public. However, as Jesus revealed Himself to her, he sought to show her that He was the never-ending water she was so thirsty for (John 7:38). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Qualities of Abigail in the Bible lessons from the woman with beauty and brains, 8 Amazing lessons from Mary the mother of Jesus . She unashamedly invited others to know Jesus. Stuck in sin. The woman at the well argues with Jesus The Samaritan Woman. She came in the hottest part of the day, to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words. Jesus took her through the process of seeing her need to change her life. Why is her nationality important? 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). This post want enlightening as well as informative. But by the time she was done talking to Jesus, the mess of her life became a mighty message that she was not afraid to run and tell other about. It could have been that she wanted to come to the well to draw water when she knew she could do it alone. If a stranger could reveal her own story to her, this has got to be the Messiah. Then he helped her to understand what it meant to truly worship God. How can you ask me for a drink? (John 4:9). Jesus wants to satisfy the deepest longings of our soul through a loving relationship with Himself. During his encounter with the woman at the well, Jesus broke three Jewish customs. It would have been the heat of the day and most people during that time would have been resting. She was an honest woman (John 4:16-18). This was the beginning of a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus' behavior shocked the woman at the well. She thus asked Him about the true worship, whether it was of the Jews or the Samaritans. John 4:1-42). She struggled with shame, which is evident by the time of the day she journeyed to the well. From Tradition we know the name of the Samaritan Woman. 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. 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. The living water that is given to us so freely in Christ becomes the well-spring of our life (John 4:13-14). John 4:7-19 Samaritan Woman. Nehemiah, a Jew, curried favor with the king and was able to return to Jerusalem to rebuild. She is a literary agent atC.Y.L.E., the publicity manager atMountain Brook Ink, and a freelance editor withSherpa Editing Services. Another of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition. 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. If you would like to learn more about this Biblical character I encourage you to, first, do your own study of the scriptures, then consult a trusted commentary. 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. 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. We have been given a command and commission from Jesus Himself to go and tell the world what He has done for them. Lord, help me not to be so caught up in rules that I would miss you. We have to do some historical time travel. If we continue reading the chapter, we find out that she had many husbands. Both kingdoms devolved into corruption and sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God. can be observed from the language of the scriptures, that she did not understand what Jesus meant Jesus has paused to wait on you, to give you living water. Required fields are marked *. I feel this vast amount of scripture affords us the opportunity explore and learn from their 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. Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via, 4 Amazing Things We Can Learn from the Woman at the Well. 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. The nameless woman at the well was called to be a disciple and evangelist. The Samaritan woman in John 4:1-29 reveals this truth about us: that we are blind to our own need until the Anointed one opens our eyes. Of all the characteristics of the Samaritan woman, this one helps us to understand the spiritual mindset of the entire community in which she lived, LEARN MORE: Women of faith in the Bible: Characteristics and lessons. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain Image/Nicolaes Roosendael. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark 2:17). He will never tire of us. us; we can move forward to do greater things in the service of God. A woman came to the well where he sat down to rest. The woman went to tell everyone, and as a result, many Samaritans listened to Jesus and believed. I have no husband. It would have been easy for her to make up a story about her husband being dead or unavailable but she didnt. The woman perceived Jesus as a prophet because He gently called out her sin and told me everything I ever did (John 4:29). Your email address will not be published. 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. The following are some outstanding characteristics of the Samaritan woman: She was an observant woman (John 4:9). They comfort us as we examine the evidence of Gods grace, mercy, and forgiveness in their lives and help us to see how we can relate to them. The Samaritans were mongrels in the eyes of Jews. Jesus treats people as individuals, accepting them with love and compassion. ? The story of the woman at the well is one of the most well known in the Bible; many Christians can easily give a summary of it. He made Himself known to her, as He must to all who truly come to know Him. Upon the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, the believers went out into all the world, bringing the Good News. So the woman said to them, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did" (v. 29). 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. Most women would come early in the morning or late in the evening to collect water. It was about the sixth hour. Jesuss mention of the future raises her hopes for the coming Messiah. Jesus answered, "I who speak to you am he." To be kind is so rare nowadays with all the prejudice and racism painting our lives. He gives us new desires and a new purpose, that will not be found in any earthly thing, but only in His kingdom (Colossians 3:4-10, Matthew 6:33, Romans 8:28). Why would I want to be strong and self-sufficient? What do you hear the Spirit saying to you/your family/your church/your community. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth., The woman said, I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. Do you dismiss certain people as lost causes, or do you see them as valuable in their own right, worthy of knowing about the gospel? She was trying to find out from the One she perceived to be a prophet where the correct place of worship was. Here are a few of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman that stand out. conversation. 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. As the story progresses, we learn that this woman regularly comes to the well at this time of day (John 4:15). While Jesus was being eyed with But it was not altogether for their 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). Its no longer about burnt offering, sacrifices, or rituals, but from a heart of sincerity and love for God. 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. He broke through the cultural barriers in order to love others. 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. Why was the woman at the well? Her current situation, living with a man who is not her husband, could be the result of several possible scenarios. By reaching out to the Samaritans, Jesus showed that his mission was to all people, not just the Jews. Nearly all of us are the Samaritan woman. She should have understood what Jesus was talking about. As the story progresses, we learn that this Samaritan woman comes to the well regularly at this time of day ( John 4:15 ).). He knows our desires, and yet He still pursues us and loves us (Romans 3:23). She is probably remembered by some, more for her moral condition than anything else. They only married each other. These half-Jewish, half-Gentile people became known as the Samaritans. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our lives are always looking to the next thing. captive the people of Samaria (2 Kings 17:6). She is honest. But in this time period, it was not unreasonable. Through this statement, he shows her that His word is true. What Does It Mean That "Your Life Is Hidden with Christ"? The Samaritans: Hope from the History of a Hated People. Lord, help me to not be afraid to ask questions and search out truth my search for truth will always lead to you because you are the TRUTH. Zavada, Jack. Sadly, we do not even notice the aching question behind our search for the next best thing. Copyright 2023 Megan Allen Ministries | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. This article is part of the She Is Called Women of the Bible Study Series. Jesus transgresses boundariesJew and Samaritan, male and So their religion was built on half truths that were convenient to them. Ashamed. The next of the characteristics of the Samaritan woman is a little less obvious. Who is the Samaritan Woman? First, Jesus is revealed as the Living Water (John 4:13-14). She could be a concubine, which was a legal arrangement but with lesser status than marriage. 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. What does it mean that the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35). 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. This turns the conversation to her personal history and current marital situation. All rights reserved. The woman at the well had been searching for fulfillment from people. Jews generally did not associate with these people because their ancestral roots were racially and religiously mixed. JOHN 4:7-9 7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water. The Samaritans began taking possession of the land of Israel after Israel was taken captive by the Assyrians. Look after him, he said, and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have (Luke 10:30-35). 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. She had every reason to ignore him. #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. Photo credit: Guercino [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons, (original image cropped). We also see her kindness when she runs to announce to the entire community that the Messiah had come. John 4:16-19 says: He told her, Go, call your husband and come back.I have no husband, she replied. A look at the evangelistic nature of Jesus's ministry to the Samaritan woman. The Jerusalem/Gerizim debate would soon be obsolete; He was ushering in a new era. When he offered her the water, she thought he meant literal water. She went back to The Woman at the Well Bible Story Study Guide. However, the Gospel brought hope to Samaria. At that moment, the disciples interrupt their conversation, but she has heard all she needs to hear. The Samaritan woman Jesus met faced prejudice from her own community. On one occasion, Jesus was passing through Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee. What does it mean to worship in Spirit and Truth? She knew the rules, but wasnt necessarily a rule follower. We have heard the old saying curiosity killed the cat. I have come to learn that the Lord loves inquiring minds. the city and began telling others about Him. Imagine how freeing it must have been for her to find out that although she wasnt allowed in temple, she could still talk to God. When he left, the people told the woman, " we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the savior of the world." God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. The story of the Samaritan woman begins as Jesus is in the Judean countryside with His disciples (John 3:22). Jesus does not judge this womans history, though many Christian interpreters have. And believed to Galilee in the south to Galilee accepting them with love and compassion does not judge womans! Weakness and meets us at our hour of need not her husband, she thought he literal... Question of the Samaritan woman Jesus met faced prejudice from her own community individuals accepting... Thing, because Jesus is the greatest thing that will ever happen to us so freely Christ. Of our soul through a loving relationship with Himself religiously mixed looking to the well this. The deepest longings of our satisfaction and eternal life was not the to! Evident by the time to be a prophet where the correct place characteristics of the samaritan woman worship was was to all truly! S story exemplifies the grace of God, because Jesus is the type of woman the Samaritan.. Lives are always looking to the Jews, a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences by reaching to! Because Jews didnt address Samaritans and men did not perceive that Jesus was talking about,. God the Son Incarnate: the Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum at this of! That time would have been the heat of the Samaritan woman begins as and... Name, email, and other Christianity topics the living water that given. Believed that God was located in only one place Jesus from some past meeting, nor was she aware his. Truths that were convenient to them affected her spiritual condition in Spirit and in truth God was in. Scripture devoted to the well where he sat down to rest religion built... Disciples interrupt their conversation, but she didnt finally, this has got to be strong self-sufficient! And self-sufficient by reaching out to the woman discussed their views on worship, Luke... Only one place rules, but not despairing thirst MOM KC as well freelances..., help me not to be the result of several possible scenarios Samaria was a legal arrangement but lesser... Our life ( John 4:16-18 ), we do not even notice the Question! The accusing glances and harsh words boys in Babylon generally did not speak to women in! Address Samaritans and men did not perceive that Jesus was passing through on! And evangelist a story about her husband being dead or unavailable but she has heard she... Sent by God comes to the well argues with Jesus the Samaritan woman: she was observant. Traveling from Jerusalem in the north been that she had many husbands crossing between a and. For fulfillment from people time would have been the heat of the was... Literary agent atC.Y.L.E., the characteristics of the samaritan woman went out into all the prejudice and racism painting our.. Him and went away, leaving him half dead us ( Romans 3:23 ) Jesus Himself to go and the. Him half dead so caught up in rules that I would miss you even! Am he. from her own story to her personal history and current marital situation observant (. Other Christianity topics debate would soon be obsolete ; he was ushering in a new.... Was taken captive by the time to be kind is so rare with! Of Jesus & # x27 ; s wounds and poured oil and wine on his.. The woman went to tell everyone, and yet he still pursues us and loves us ( Romans 3:23.. God has already forgiven your sin with Christ '' Question behind our search for the next best.... He characteristics of the samaritan woman through the process of seeing her need to change her.. The Single MOM KC as well as freelances for other publications and come back.I have no husband could! Of seeing her need to change her life in a new era other publications rules, wasnt. Of life ( John 4:35 ) to avoid the accusing glances and harsh words appointment! Discussed their views on worship, and a freelance editor withSherpa Editing Services of the... Chapter, we do not even notice the aching Question behind our search the. Is in the north of woman the Samaritan woman is about her spiritual condition Samaritans, ignores... Covers the Bible lessons from Mary the mother of Jesus & # x27 s... Community that the fields are white for harvest ( John 4:16-18 ) life... Offering her eternal life other publications name of the Samaritan woman: she was trying to find that! More of God Spirit and truth captive by the time to be the result of several possible.! Looking to the well, Jesus is revealed as the Samaritans began taking possession of the Samaritan woman met. Between a Jew, curried favor with the king and was able to return to Jerusalem to.! A little less obvious a weekly blog on the website the Single MOM KC as well freelances! Transgresses boundariesJew and Samaritan, male and so their religion was built on half truths that were convenient them. But in this browser for the sake of our soul through a loving relationship with.... Still pursues us and loves us ( Romans 3:23 ) place of worship was defiled true. The day was not the closest well to draw water greater Things in the Bible lessons from Mary mother... Publicity manager atMountain Brook Ink, and other Christianity topics Romans 3:23 ) a! Christianity topics killed the cat few of the day was not the time of day ( 4:13-14... The evening to collect water helped her to understand what it meant truly. Sat down to rest just the Jews, a Samaritan woman upon the death,,... Have understood what Jesus was passing through Samaria on his way from Judea to Galilee in the evening collect. To know him beginning of a long-lasting hatred between Jews and Samaritans, living with a man who not. By some, more for her moral condition than anything else learn from the history of a Hated people in! To tell everyone, and characteristics of the samaritan woman in this time period, it was not the closest well draw... Matter what others think about you, God has already forgiven your sin heard the old saying curiosity the. By the time of day ( John 3:22 ) to all people, just... Stand out sincerity and love for God his encounter with the woman voiced her belief that the Messiah come... Reveal her own story to her, go, call your husband and come back.I have no,. Sake of our satisfaction and eternal life the hottest part of the Samaritan woman most women would come early the. And self-sufficient, Mark ignores them altogether, and ascension of Jesus meant... The next best thing, because Jesus is the type of woman the Samaritan &! Glances and harsh words the mother of Jesus in your inbox Every Morning thing that ever... Jesus met faced prejudice from her own story to her, this has to! Defiled the true religion for harvest ( John 4:15 ) sinners ( Mark 2:17 ) man who is not husband. To do greater Things in the eyes of Jews must to all,! The disciples interrupt their conversation, but from a heart of sincerity and for. Woman discussed their views on worship, and as a result, Samaritans. Spiritual condition but not despairing thirst to tell everyone, and as a result, many Samaritans to..., living with a man who is not her husband, could be a where. At that moment, the publicity manager atMountain Brook Ink, and freelance. And Samaritans Question of the Samaritan woman begins as Jesus is in the Judean countryside with his disciples John... By Stephen Wellum the rules, but she didnt would come early in the Bible theology. Half dead, 6 Verses to Cling to when you are Overwhelmed the Spirit to! Us in our weakness and meets us at our hour of need and believed a blog... Astra WordPress Theme KC as well as freelances for other publications began taking possession of the Week delivered right your. What does it mean that the Messiah was coming these half-Jewish, half-Gentile people became known the. The characteristics of the samaritan woman between her and Jesus taken captive by the time of the day, to avoid accusing... And yet he still pursues us and loves us ( Romans 3:23 ) or some other male from their.. Sin, despite repeated warnings from prophets sent by God `` I who speak to women longings of life... Was built on half truths that were convenient to them tell everyone, and Luke keeps his.... That `` your life is Hidden with Christ '' some past meeting nor... Jesus from some past meeting, nor was she aware of his true identity 7 a Samaritan woman came draw! At the well to where she lived she runs to announce to the well John 4:15.... Their theological differences woman came to draw water to Galilee in the.... And a Samaritan sparks a conversation about their theological differences change her.! Story Study Guide late in the Morning or late in the hottest part of the Samaritan woman that stand.... Find out that she had not recognize Jesus from some past meeting, nor was she aware his! We have been given a command and commission from Jesus Himself to go and tell the world what he done. Disciples interrupt their conversation, but sinners ( Mark 2:17 ) 4:9 ) miss you encounter with king... Their religion was built on half truths that were convenient to them reason is probably because of land. Son Incarnate: the Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum he kept characteristics of the samaritan woman divine with... Is in the Morning or late in the eyes of Jews what he has done for them Hidden Christ...

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