Samaritan Woman

Caryn Reeder has an interesting take on The Samaritan Woman, whose encounter with Jesus is recorded in John 4. Some points to note.

• Jesus does not accuse the woman of sinning. He does not tell her that she needs forgiveness or to stop sinning.

• Jesus noted that she had had five husbands, but did not condemn her for that. The Jewish culture of Jesus' time was male dominated. Men could eaily divorce their wives, but a divorced women would be financially insecure. It seems this woman had been discarded by several men, which would have left her in a vulnerable postion, needing to rely on any man who would support her. I presume that Jesus felt compassion for her, whereas mostly male commentators have assumed the woman was at fault.

• Drawing water in the middle of the day is not a sign of immorality, as is frequently claimed by Bible commentators. The historical evidence shows that women in the ancient world went to get water whenever they needed water.

• Instead, he engages in a theological discussion about the true nature of worship. How and where you should worship was a serious question.

• This is the largest conversation with Jesus recorded in John’s gospel.

• She allows Jesus to explain that his kingdom is open to everyone.

• The woman went to her village and told everyone that she believed the messiah had arrived in their region. She may have been a leader in her village.

• She was the first evangelist.

• The people accepted Jesus as the messiah because they believed her. Many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified.

• The woman was a witness to Jesus. John uses the same expression for Jesus as he does for the woman: her word – his word. And because of his word many more became believers.

• The woman helped start a harvest. While the disciples were worrying about food for themselves, she was helping Jesus bring in a harvest.

• The woman was an ideal disciple.

  • She listens respectfully

  • She asks insightful questions

  • She seeks understanding.

  • She shares with others.

• John contrasts the woman with Nicodemus, who came in the night and then did not share with anyone.