John 4 - The Samaritan Woman

Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was baptizing and making more disciples than John and they did not like it. (John never refers to the Sadducees by name, but they were included here).

Joh 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) It was His disciples who were doing the baptizing, not Jesus. (It was not the practice of Jesus to baptize).

Joh 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. Jesus returned to Galilee.

Joh 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria. He had to go to Samaria on the way. (Luke 17:11). There was a divine purpose for Jesus to go through Samaria. Judea was in the south, Galilee in the north, and Samaria was right in the middle. Samaria was populated by a race of "half-breeds." They were half Jewish, or heretical Jews. They didn't practice "orthodox Judaism," as they did in Judea and Galilee. The normal route for a Jewish person traveling from Judea to Galilee would be around Samaria, but Jesus needed to go through Samaria. Not the natural route to take, but Jesus had another reason. He had to meet a woman by a well.

Joh 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. In His journey Jesus came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. (Joshua 24:32). 

Joh 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. Jacob's well was where Jesus was passing by and He was tired from walking, so He sat weary beside the well about noon time.

Joh 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well and Jesus asked her for a drink of water. 

Joh 4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Jesus was alone at the time because the disciples were out getting food. 

Joh 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. The woman asked Jesus why He was asking her for a drink? She was surprised, because usually Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. "And of course, Jesus was a Jew." (There was a long history of racial prejudice between the Jews and Samaritans at the time). It appears that even today people still have a lot of racial prejudice to deal with. When are we ever going to accept all peoples nationality as equal? I guess it will never happen in this world age.

Joh 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. Jesus said to the woman; if you only knew the gift of God (The Holy Spirit), that He has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water. "Christ is that living water." It is written how Israel rejected the "Living Water." (Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 17:13). In the future sense it is written about the Lord's Day: (Zechariah 14:8). Again, what day? The Lords Day! Life giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea, and half toward the Mediterranean Sea, flowing year round. (Ezekiel 47:1-12, Revelation 22:1-2). Jesus spoke of these living waters. (John 4:14, 7:38).  

Joh 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? The woman knew that the well was very deep (more than 100 ft. at times), and Jesus had no bucket or rope. She asked where He was going to get this living water? She didn't understand what Jesus was talking about, and that He was the living water. "Many don't get it today." (1 Corinthians 2:14). The flesh man can’t receive these truths. It all sounds foolish and confusing to them. Only those who are spiritual can understand. That is why it is so important to exercise the spirit. How? Study and believe God's Word!

Joh 4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Here the woman gets a little testy towards Jesus asking; "Do you think you are greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well?"

Joh 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: Drink this water and you will become thirsty again. 

Joh 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. But those who drink the water I give will never thirst again. It becomes a bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. "Speaking of the Holy Spirit." Did you ever get that joyful bubbling feeling inside when the "Spirit" brings you a new truth, or understanding of the Word? (That's the Holy Spirit at work).

Joh 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Please sir, the woman said, give me this water! "Then I will never be thirsty again, and won't need to come to the well to get water." (She still didn't get it).

Joh 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. Go and get your husband, Jesus replied. 

Joh 4:17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: I don't have a husband she replied, Your right! Jesus answered, you don't have a husband. (The woman told part of the truth, but not the whole truth).

Joh 4:18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. You have five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you are living with now. "You certainly spoke the truth." (Jesus respected her for being partially truthful).

Joh 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. The woman was a little shocked when she realized that this man could see right through her, and thought that He must have been a prophet. 

Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Now that the woman thinks Jesus is a prophet, she is going to ask Him some questions. "Why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while us Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim that our ancestors worshiped?" Jacob's well is at the bottom of Mount Gerizim. (Deuteronomy 27:12). It appears that the Samaritan way of worship was an example of; "We will do it our way." Like today when priests, pastors, and teachers of denominational churches twist the scripture a little to please the people, instead of doing it God's way. (They wouldn't want to lose any of the congregation). They need to make everything so entertaining to keep the people interested, instead of teaching the truth of the Word. Believe me, when you teach the truth as it is written, it will keep peoples attention.

Joh 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Jesus replied to the woman, "Believe Me, the time is coming when it will make no difference where you worship the Father. (Matthew 18:20). It makes no difference where you worship, as long as Christ is the center of that worship. "Wherever you have two or more gathered together in "Jesus name," He will be there.

Joh 4:22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. The Samaritans knew very little about the One they worshipped The Samaritans feared God but worshipped their own gods. (2 Kings 17:24-41). The Jews knew all about Him, and salvation comes through the Jews. Through One main Jew, "Jesus Christ." (Zechariah 9:9).

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. The time is coming and is here now when the true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. This is what the "Heavenly Father" is looking for in a Christian. (1 Peter 2:9-10). A chosen generation (Generation of the fig tree), or the last generation. Those who know the truth and had His calling because they love God. "It's all coming depended on the repentance of the nation, when all the prophecies would have been fulfilled." (Acts 3:18-26).

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. God is a "Spirit," so those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth. How do we worship the Heavenly Father? You talk to Him humbly as your Father with sincerity, truth, and meditation in the Word. (You make His day when you study the Word and thank Him for what you have learned). The Samaritan woman still didn't realize who she was talking to, but when she puts it all together, I think she will realize that He was the truth of all things she was waiting for.

Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain all things to us." Even though the religion of the Samaritans had been twisted over the years, they believed and knew from the Old Testament scripture that the Messiah would come. (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). However, the woman did not realize that she was talking to Him.  

Joh 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. Jesus told the woman, "I Am the Messiah!" Not only the Messiah, but letting her know that He was "I AM WHO I AM," (Exodus 3:14). Jesus was letting the woman know that He is the "I AM," Yahveh, God in the flesh.

Joh 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The disciples came back and seen Jesus talking to the woman and were a little shocked, but they did not question Him. Remember, it was uncommon for the Jews to have dealings with the Samaritans. (Never question the intentions of the Heavenly Father). How does the old saying go? "God works in mysterious ways."

Joh 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men. The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran to the village to tell everyone what had happened. (This woman had an experience like never before and wanted to tell everyone what had happened).

Joh 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? This is the man who knew everything about me and what I did! "Could He be the Messiah?"

Joh 4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. So the people came streaming from the village to see Him. (Do you think it will be like that when Christ returns again in the end times)? Hmmm, I wonder if people will even get off the couch? (Matthew 20:16).

Joh 4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. They were urging Jesus to eat something. They just returned from getting food and were probably satisfied themselves, but were concerned for Jesus.

Joh 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about." (Revelation 2:17). Speaking of the hidden Manna, "the truth of God's Word."

Joh 4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? The disciples said to one another, did someone bring Jesus something to eat? (They didn't understand what He was saying).

Joh 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Jesus explained to them: "My nourishment comes form doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing His work. (Luke 2:49, Luke 4:4). Christ was that "Living Word" of God, more important than food for the body, "it is food for the inner soul and spirit." (Deuteronomy 8:3).

Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. The saying is, "four months between planting and harvest." But I say, wake up and look around; the fields are already ripe for harvest. In other words, it may take natures harvest that long, but God's harvest doesn't necessarily take any time at all. "The Holy Spirit can make you a believer instantly." Bringing our attention to the end time prophecy of (Matthew 9:37-38). Jesus told His disciples that the harvest is so great, and the workers are so few. (There was so much work for those people to be taught, but few laborers to do it).

Joh 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. The harvesters of the end times are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people who are brought to eternal life. Joy awaits both the planter (seed planter), and the harvest alike. (Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3). Example: (James 5:19-20). If one slips away from the faith and no longer trusts God, and one helps him understand the truth again. The person who brought him back to the Lord has saved a wondering soul. God will bless you for it and redeem you from your sins. Always share the truth of the Word with others as the Lord gives it to you, and He will always bless you for it.

Joh 4:37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. Here is a true saying; "One plants and another harvests."

Joh 4:38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others already done the work, and you will get to gather the harvest. "Their labors." Who was He talking about? "He was talking about John the Baptist, the prophets, as well as Himself." (Matthew 11:8-13).

Joh 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. Because what the woman had told the people of Samaria, many of the Samaritans believed in Jesus. (A good testimony from a new believer can go a long way). 

Joh 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. They came out to see Jesus and wanted Him to stay in the village to hear more about what He had to say. So Jesus remained for a couple of days. This brings me to (Revelation 3:20). Christ will not beg people to be saved and we can't either. When you hear Him calling, you need to answer. Then He will come and fellowship with you. (Conversion comes from within).

Joh 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word; The Samaritans invited Him in long enough to hear His message and become a believer. (Matthew 7:28-29). The crowds were amazed at the teachings of Jesus. A good teacher teaches with authority and truth of God's Word. (Not someone who follows church systems, doctrines and traditions of men).

Joh 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. The new believers said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you have told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves." We know that He is indeed the Savior of the world. (Matthew 1:21, 1 John 4:14). They have seen and realized that God has sent a Savior to the world. Spoken of in the Old Testament Psalms 22, and Zechariah 9:9-10.

Joh 4:43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. Now it was time for Jesus to move on to Galilee. (You see, there is always work to be done for God along the way in our daily travels).

Joh 4:44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. Jesus would say that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. (Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24). No one accepts a prophet, or teacher in his own town. (Matthew 13:57, John 4:44). And so it is; you know how hard it is to get people in your home town, or family to listen to you when it comes to preaching the Word. Why? Because they know you to well. Unless you have an impeccable reputation, or superior title, chances are they are not going to listen to you. They didn't accept Jesus, why should they accept you. (Plant your seeds before those who are willing to listen). That is why we teach via the internet. If we can reach a few with the truth among the millions of viewers, we have accomplished our goal. The angels in heaven rejoice when a new believer comes aboard.

Joh 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. The Galileans welcomed Him, because they were in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and seen everything He did there. (Seeing is believing; but believing without seeing, is a true mark of faith).

Joh 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. Jesus came to Cana, where He turned the water into wine. There was a nobleman (a royal officer), in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. (The officer probably belonging to the court of Herod Antipas, the man who would execute John the Baptist).

Joh 4:47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. When the officer heard that Jesus came down from Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. (This is not the same miracle as that of the centurion's servant recorded in Matthew 8:5-12 and Luke 7:1-10). The two miracles differ as to the time, place, person, pleading, plea, disease, the Lord's answer, and the man's faith. They may be easily seen by comparing the two as to these details.

Joh 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. Jesus replied, "Will you never believe in Me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders." (John 20:39). How much more pleasing it is to the Heavenly Father when we believe in Jesus without seeing Him, or the many miracles He had performed.

Joh 4:49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. The officer pleaded again, "Lord please come now before my little boy dies."

Joh 4:50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. Jesus told the man, "Go home, your son will live!" The man believed what Jesus said and started home. (The key here is that the man believed and had faith in what Jesus said). If you do not believe and have the faith, you will receive no healing.

Joh 4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. As the man was on his way home, some of his servants (bond-servants), met him with the news that his son was alive and well.

Joh 4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. The man asked when the boy had begun to get better. They replied, "yesterday at one o'clock in the afternoon his fever suddenly disappeared." (Was the father of the child questioning his faith, or seeing if what Jesus had said had anything to do with the healing, or was he just concerned about the boy)? Sometimes we have the faith and believe, but their is always a little doubt in the results of our request. That is why we need to strengthen our faith by studying the Word. "That way their will be no doubt." (For the true Christian; if you ask for a healing from the Heavenly Father, and you become well, you can be sure it was the Father who gave you the healing).

Joh 4:53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. The father of the boy realized that was the very time Jesus had told him, "Your son will live." Now the man was convinced and his faith was strengthened, and his entire household believed in Jesus.

Joh 4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. The second miracle (a second sign). Having begun to number the signs in this Gospel, we may continue to do so, and complete the whole (eight).

Keep the faith,
Barton