Another Samaritan Message

Psalm 101, 109:1-4 (5-19) 20-30 • Psalm 119:121-144
Judges 13:15-24 • Acts 6:1-15 • John 4:1-26

Samaritan stories in the Bible fascinate me. They represent those who are different, marginalized and even despised. Although Jews and Samaritans shared the same Israelite heritage and religious base, they despised and avoided each other. I feel that Jesus models Samaritans as charitable, helpful people. I try to follow that model. Do you?

We know that a Jew, at that time, would avoid traveling through Samaria, except to trade.

They would travel around it. Jesus purposefully travels into the heart of Samaria to Sychar, the site of Jacob’s field and well. He returns to Jacob’s home. Jacob is the lineage of the name Israel. It is clear that he is there on purpose—announcing his mission and ministry.

The unnamed Samaritan woman comes to the well at the heat of the day because she is ostracized because of her questionable lifestyle and thus avoids people. Jesus is waiting at the well. He came to meet with her and offer her hope.

Jesus and the woman converse. He shares the image of “Living Water,” referring to Himself, the Messiah, the Holy Spirit and eternal life. This interaction is the first time that Jesus declares himself to be the Messiah. 

In verses 25-26, “The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he."

Jesus ministers to those at the margins of society. This is another case.

The woman at Jacob’s well is another example of God's love and acceptance. A love that accepts us where we are. Jesus purposefully went out of His way to find and to offer this woman a place in His coming kingdom.

This story reminds to each of us that we are loved and accepted. We just need to open ourselves to that reality.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers serves nonprofits in Arkansas in grant writing, fundraising and strategic planning. He is a lifelong Episcopalian. He has adapted to the online worship service. He looks forward to corporate worship and communion.