Sunday: The Samaritan Woman
In the time of Jesus, ancient Israel was divided into three provinces: Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. Samaria was situated between Galilee and Judea. The Samaritans worshiped the God of Israel, but not in the same way the Jews did. As an initial mission field, Samaria was ideal for the apostles because it was close to Israel geographically.
Read John 4:4-30. What can we learn from this story about how Jesus witnessed to non-Jews? In what ways did Jesus step outside the bounds of tradition in order to reach out to this woman?
The Samaritan woman was alert, was well-informed about the history of her people, and she asked intelligent questions.
Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com
She led the conversation with her questions. Jesus, however, responded to her questions and statements with the things that would benefit the woman spiritually. The only point where Jesus changed the conversation was when He told her to bring her husband, knowing that she wasn’t married but had been with several men. Of course, asking her to do this opened the way for Him to reach out to her, however uncomfortable she had become. Nevertheless, by doing this, He was able to witness to her in a powerful way.
Also, we shouldn’t miss what happened in John 4:27. The disciples were surprised because Jesus was talking with this foreign woman. Jesus transgressed a few Jewish customs: first, asking a Samaritan woman to give Him a drink; second, being alone with her. In Israel a man could not be seen alone with a woman unless she was a family member. Jesus followed Jewish customs when in Israel. However, in Samaria He was outside Jewish territory and not bound by Jewish traditions, even though as we have seen elsewhere, Jesus distinguished between human-made traditions and the commands and precepts of God.
How far out of your own comfort zone
are you willing to go in order to minister to others? How far should you go?
(34)
Samaria was not a mission field for Jesus' disciples; in Matthew 10 when Jesus sends them out, He is particular in telling them to neither go to the Gentiles nor to the Samaritans. In John chapter 4, they are in Samaria because Jesus said He needed to go through it on his way to Galilee but they have no part in Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well nor are they involved in the preaching of the gospel in the Samaritan town near Jacob's well.
There is a necessary selectivity that is required for cross-cultural missions because everyone is not equipped for it..neither those who are offended by those whose culture differs from theirs or those whose approach to a differing culture than their own would be offensive to that culture are fit. In John chapter 4, the disciples were both of these things which is part of the reason Jesus sent them away on an errand; had they remained there, the woman at the well probably does not have the conversion experience she needed.
Kevin I wondered at the same opinion given for Samaria to be an ideal mission field for the apostles,and the same text, Matt.10 came to mind. Jesus used more than one situation that was not what we would choose,to accomplish His goal. Such as answering questions completely different than expected.
Initially Jesus didn't send his disciples to Samaria because they were not ready, but just before He ascended to heaven He did send them to Samaria and I believe this is the time to which the lesson refers.
I believe Jesus "had" to go through Samaria so that he could meet this woman, and I believe He was using it as part of his teaching process to prepare the disciples for when He was no longer with them.
this is a good sample on how Jesus teach us to reach other people outside the jews now how can we adventist communicate/deliver the gospel to our catholic friend while we knew they are the beast actor (see our revelation on the end work of the beast. Any sample from the bible??
Sometimes believers allow their prejudices and customs to get in the way of bringing someone to Christ. In this case, the disciples, like most Jews, didn't have any dealings with Samaritans. Thankfully, they went away while Jesus remained there.
The way Jesus treated the Samaritan woman is the way Christians ought to treat those who are lost or are not of the faith. It is love and kindness which will bring them to Christ not judgement and condemnation. Instead of condemning her, Jesus commended her for her honesty when she admitted that she was not married. It is no wonder that she was anxious to go and witness to her community about the Man who knew everything she had ever done.
It is the same with us. Our dealings with the people whom we are witnessing to should be such that they go and tell their families, friends and neighbours what they have heard. Jesus is our perfect Example of how a missionary should be and because of Him, this woman became a missionary too.
Perhaps not thoroughly examining the context of the spirit of prophecy quote some may hold that “Christ’s method alone will give true success,” means the only way to witness effectively (successfully) is to become buddies with or satisfy some temporal need of the lost. What exactly is Christ’s method?
In the lunchtime encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus did not offer the lady anything physical or temporal. Nor did He spend the few precious moments in small talk to establish a bond that He could draw on at maturity. Almost with urgency the Messiah got to the point of the soul’s salvation (John 4:10-14).
On other occasions Jesus accepted dinner invitations (Matthew 9:10-13), healed sick folks (John 5:14), told parables (Matthew 13:44), or just preached (Matthew 6:33), always offering salvation.
In the Old Testament Jesus had sent Noah to the world with a straight ‘do or die’ message (Genesis 6:13, 14). The Son of God sent Jonah with a message of doom (Jonah 3:2-4). A whole city was receptive. In the New Testament Christ’s representative, the Holy Spirit worked through miracles (1 Corinthians 14:22) and even shock and awe (Acts 5:11; 19:16-20). The purpose is always to save.
Christ’s method is any method the Holy Spirit will support. Rather than take the lead and simply choose safe self-serving and self-preserving activities of witness ask the Spirit for direction. One method which is surely not Christ’s is doing nothing and waiting around for ideal circumstances, making an excuse out of every perceived obstacle (Matthew 25:24-30).
If uncertain about what to do just start doing something small by faith and Jehovah will guide that active demonstrated willingness where one may best be used. Just be sure to always make the cross central in the effort to reach others.
Raymond so far l havent seen anywhere in the bible that says that a Catholic is a beast. Then we will have millions and trillions of beasts. Rev 14 is specific of 1 beast then its worshipers whom God is going to destroy. On the other hand God is calling people to worship him alone and be saved. The devil wants to distort the truth and makes a beast of every worshiper and on other hand say everyone that have casual relationship with è remnant church or with God becomes remnant. The bible doesnt teach that.
Jesus reach us even when we are known to be the most sinners and when we are not even worthy to be called his Sons and Daughters.
Amazing, whatever Christ did was purposive of winning souls (mission). Places, parameters and people all present each one of us with great opportunity for mission. The opportunities are available 24/7. So we all can do great mission if we can first accept the gift offered to the Samaritan woman, the gift of living water from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Paul's sermon in the book of Hebrews is a good example. He started with what they believed and then showed them something better.
Our Lord is very concerning of all people. He is very wise and loving as he speaks to the woman. If you notice, He commends her for being honest. He does'nt make her angry to the point of scaring her off. He speaks with love and truth. We must remember this story in ministereing to others that are lost. There is a right way to do so to make a positive impression. The Lord has left this story as an example on how to share the Love of the Lord and the word. "Yet we all are sinners", and He still takes us in an loves us. Consider Romans 3:23. He has given us all a chance to accept him. He has sought us and came to us with love while we were intangled in our sinful ways. As we go out and share may we exhibit the light of Christ and be aware of how we speak to those that are lost. There is a way to speak without tearing one down or judging them on their choice of religion. We can start by loving them and be friending them and being available to answer their questions. If it was'nt for the Grace of the Lord and the Lord sending someone to befriend me and show me light, I would have not known the truth or be aware of The truth in Gods' Law and how to truly love the Lord. May we continue to Spread the truth to all. Thank you all for your encouraging words and perspectives on this lesson.
I would disagree with the quarterly statements of "She led the conversation..." and "The only point where Jesus changed the conversation..."
Without Jesus' initiating the dialogue, the woman would have come and gone in silence. Jesus started and controlled the whole conversation, while she tried to go off on tangents. Jesus patiently guided to the woman to be receptive to the Truth He came all that way to give her and the citizens of that town which she ran to call and lead back to see and meet "the Messiah".
His departure from the traditions and restrictions were nothing more than His rejection of the limits that prejudiced and bigoted men impose upon others. He followed the Word of God found in SCRIPTURE, and the original plan of saving Adam's race according to the promise given to them in the Garden. Now in order to be effective, Jesus had to follow the limits where any departure from them would have stifled His efforts. No one can force another to obey when dealing with sinners. They must be kindly, patiently guided, as one would woo a stranger into becoming a spouse. Jesus was ever respectful of the limits of those He labored for, and seemed to find more freedom and greater faith outside of Israel.
I agree with Shirley, the disciples were too prejudiced to be sent to Samaria on their first mission efforts. They had followed the man-made restrictions too long and it would take time, teaching and demonstrations before they would be ready.
Concerning the question at the bottom: We should be willing to go as far as the Holy Spirit leads. If we are shackled by some limiting "comfort zone", it is because "self" is still our focus above others and the will of God.
Robert, I fully agree with your comment here. Jesus was pro-active not passive.
As far as mission fields go those with the most knowledge should the first objective so I don't think it was only the disciples that weren't ready. The Samaritans weren't exactly unprejudiced themselves (see Lk 9:51-53).
What amazes me the most is the tact and thought that Jesus used in reaching that village. I don't think He would have had nearly the response if He chose to go through anyone else but that woman.
In the Sabbath School lesson it mentioned that "In Israel a man could not be seen alone with a woman unless she was a family member. Jesus followed Jewish customs when in Israel." I have always wondered how no one seems to have thought it strange that Elijah moved in with the Widow at Zarephath. I think that should have raised eyebrows and generated some comment or explanation. I doubt that would go over well today.
James, I believe there are several factors to consider. The Godly reputation and behavior of Elijah, God "commanded" the widow, and the fact that she "sustained" him. This doesn't require providing a bed in the house. Remember that Elijah had camped by Cherith for sometime, perhaps almost a year, and I'm sure lodged in a discreet and reputable manner. The widow probably provided food and whatever else Elijah might have required.
This was not an Israelite woman. I'm certain God provided in a way that would not arouse suspicion from others.
This week's lesson interesting,we see Christ in pursuit of lost humanity. He does not allow one's situation,circumstances or culture differences prevent Him from sharing the good news. Which is, God's love will seek you out. The text says in John 4, " we must need go this way ".
God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men,it will flow out to others in love and blessing. Steps to Christ E. G. White
One thing interesting in this incident is: though both cultures hated each other, Jews looking down on Samaritans, yet they all believed were decendence of Jacob. Doesnt that sound familiar
While ministering in communities we tend to become selective, passing by the homeless ignoring the poor. Christ came to seek and to save the lost.
Sisters and brothers thanks all for your encouraging comments. I remember when I was in Sabbath school we used to sing a chorus about the Samaritan woman which says. Jesus gave her water that was not from the well gave her living water that was not from well she went away singing and came back bringing others for the water that was not from the well x2.
The water Jesus gave the woman preached a lot in Samaria. We should not chose whom to preach to let us preached to all.
Jesus having been God had the "authority" to speak to anyone when He found it necessary.
And we have been commissioned to do the same.
Jesus reached the need of the Samaritan Woman, she needed the living water which we all need to come to Christ I love that he drew her with the word if you ask of me I will give you living water that you will not thirst again. With the word we may draw other to Christ. With the power of the Holy Spirit we may have the authority to forget about what is tradition and go out side our comfort zone and show the love of Christ that is so need that Christ will be lifted up and all men will be drawn to him.
Whereas Jesus preached to the woman, we should be aware that He did not sugarcoat the truth. In fact Jesus asked that which could have angered the woman but used it to for her to open up so that He could reach many!"
15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”
17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’
18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, kI perceive that You are a prophet." John 4:15-19
It seems important to note that Jesus did not preach, but conversed. This cannot be overlooked as a small thing. Such words from a "sermon" would have seemed a bit presumptuous, perhaps condemning and inappropriate. Also, without her part in the conversation, it could not have been led as it was and her interest retained.
It was the infinite wisdom of the Holy Spirit which filled Jesus that could alone lead such a one to thirst, and run to call others to come and drink as well.
The two conversations recorded in John 3 & 4 are a treasure store for all who would win souls to the Lord. You can't plan such encounters and would fail to find success without Divine insight granted. Only if empty of self can this happen. Like Gideon's 300 empty earthen pitchers housing the lamp of truth which shines forth when the earthen pitcher is broken.
I might suggest also that truth "sugarcoated" is no longer truth.
I totally disagree with the Sabbath School apparent suggestion that Jesus followed or obeyed the Jewish man-made laws within the boundaries of Israel, but was free to neglect those customs outside Israel. Thus, outside the Jewish territory Jesus freely asked water from the Samaritan woman and talked to her alone though both action violated Jewish custom. My point is there is nowhere in the Bible that Jesus gave attention to any of such Jewish customs whether in Israel or outside its territory.