What happened with Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well? In Jesus’ day, Jewish people and Samaritan people did not get along and wanted nothing to do with each other.One day, Jesus and his disciples were passing through the land of Samaria. Jesus stopped to rest at a water well while his disciples went to a nearby village to buy food. Around noon, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her for some water. “She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9, NLT)She was surprised because: The Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other – they were not friends. According to the culture, a teacher like Jesus wouldn’t be speaking to a woman in public.In those times, giving and receiving water or food indicated a good relationship.What a strange situation!Instead of answering her question, Jesus directed her to something more important. In the Bible, water often symbolizes truth. Using picture language, Jesus told the woman about special “living water,” by which he meant the Gospel message, the truth of God’s word that cleanses, refreshes and, if believed and followed, can lead one to eternal life. Jesus is like a fountain from whom the true word of God flows, so the only way to get this “living water” is by following Jesus.Because he knew secret things about the woman’s sinful life, she guessed he was a prophet. Jesus revealed to her something far better: he was the MESSIAH that believers had been waiting for! (See John 4:26) In spite of her sins, Jesus listened to her, responded, and taught her with compassion and love.Excited, the woman left her water jar and ran to the village to tell the people about Jesus. As a result, people came streaming from the village to see him. (See John 4:20, 39) In fact, he and his disciples stayed in the Samaritan village for two days. In John, they said, (4:42 NIV) “…we know that this man really is the Savior of the world!” What a great blessing they received! So, what happened with Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well? Jesus used picture language to tell a good-hearted Samaritan woman about special “living water” that brings eternal life. This “living water” is the Gospel message – God’s truth which flows from Jesus. When we drink water, we become thirsty again later. But with “living water,” the truth of God’s word, we can be cleansed, refreshed and filled with peace. If we continue to drink this “living water,” by studying and absorbing God’s word daily, we won’t be ”thirsty” for anything else!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
