In John chapter 4 we learn of the encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well. This moment in John highlights the themes of true worship, the nature of God and shows God’s love and salvation is for everyone.
Jesus’ journey through Samaria on his way to Galilee shows Jesus intentionally traveling through a region where he would have contact with a group of people that were seen as unclean and were ostracized by the Jewish people.
By encountering the woman at the well and his asking for water demonstrates his love and willingness to interact with those which would be considered “outsiders”. This interaction with the Samaritan woman encourages us to break down barriers of prejudice and discrimination in our relationship with others, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
Jesus reveals true worship is worshiping God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Jesus contrasts this with the Samaritan’s worship on Mount Gerizim and the Jewish worship in Jerusalem, highlighting that God is not bound by specific locations or rituals. It emphasizes that God is a spirit, and that worship should be sincere and come from the heart. This passage reminds us God is not subject to any limitations of the physical world; he is with us wherever we are, and we can worship him anywhere.
God is with us all day, every day. With this knowledge we can serve and worship him anytime and recognize he is with us through good and bad times. His constant presence should give us great comfort and strength in our daily lives.
Brad, your words are so right and I thank you for sharing your thoughts! He IS with us every day and we need to share that loving presence with everyone! Thank you!
I like how this chapter shows Jesus' divinity and humanity. Verse 6 says "Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well." The Creator of the universe was tired because he also was human. But he still shares with this woman and shows her how she can be nourished and sustained. Can you imagine this woman going about her normal, daily life and coming in contact with the Messiah?!?! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Brad!
Great thoughts Brad! Thanks for sharing! The passage that stood out to me the most was verse 34. I love this idea of how we are also nourished, fed, sustained daily by simply doing His work and filling His will...again another reality of his daily and ongoing presence.