The Woman of Samaria: an encounter with Jesus and the Living Water

In John 4:1-42, the Woman of Samaria is a nameless woman whose encounter with Jesus as well as changed her life and the lives of her village. She would not have been the most people’s first choice to advance the gospel in a region it had yet reached. As a Samaritan, she is looked down upon by the Jews. She is an outcast in her village because of her lifestyle. She lived a life that relegated her to the fringes of her society. Yet her encounter with Jesus broke through the barriers of culture, race and religion in order to bring her to his offer of salvation. What is her story? Why is water an important factor in their exchange? And why discuss this nameless woman? 

A woman comes to Jacob’s well, the well of the village of Sychar, to draw water in the heat of the afternoon. She does so to avoid the wagging tongues and scathing comments of the other women who look down upon her. Little did she know that her life would never be the same. When she arrives at the well, she notices a Jewish man seated at the well. She thinks he will ignore her as most Jews avoid any contact with Samaritans. However, to her surprise, he asked for a drink of water. In her shock, she asks why? Her simple questions sparks a conversation that will change her life. This man talks about living water and she scoffs. When he asks her to bring her husband, she looks to the ground and admits she has no husband. He responds with more information about her life that he couldn’t possibly know. Their conversation is the first time Jesus admits to being the Messiah as the woman wonders if he truly could be the one they are waiting for. She goes back to the village and tells her story which leads many in the village to believe too. 

It may seem ridiculous to discuss the importance of water. We know that water is important to our bodies and our health. Water is an important building block for many bodily functions that we don’t even realize need water. Water is as important as food. Many of us are so used to the modern convenience of running water that we never wonder where the water is coming from. However, even today, water takes an amazing journey to come to our homes and businesses. In the village of Sychar and other areas of Palestine, water would be a rarity that measures were taken to make sure water was as plentiful as possible. The people become adept at gathering water during the rainy seasons in cisterns and covered pools. Gathering water from the local well would be a daily chore. Water is symbolically used throughout Scriptures. In Psalms 69:1-2, 14 and 124:5, David describes his troubles as deep waters. Proverbs 18:4 uses water as an illustration for people’s words and wisdom. Good news is described as fresh water (Proverbs 25:25) and washes away sins (Psalm 51:7, Ephesians 5:26, and Hebrews 10:22). And at the well, Jesus speaks of a living water that will quench the spiritual thirst (John 4:13). 

So, water is important both physically and used symbolically to describe the gift of salvation that Jesus offers. So a conversation at a well makes sense. But why this nameless woman? It is really simple. She represents the lowest of the low. A female in a society in which they were traditionally demeaned and disregarded. She was a member of a race that was traditionally despised by the Jews and she was living in shame as a social outcast. Despite all this, her holy encounter with Jesus not only brings her to salvation but many in her village as well. Her story is significant for three reasons. First, it shows Jesus' love for the world. His heart for all people is revealed as he speaks so directly, as equals, with her, the lowest of the low. Second, it reminds us that only Jesus can provide salvation. He is the Living Water that comes from God and lasts forever. Third, it is an example of the importance of our own testimony. Our stories may seem insignificant and unremarkable. And yet someone, somewhere may believe and receive salvation because of our story. 

In conclusion, the story of the Samaritan woman is the offer of the Living Water of Jesus and salvation. Are you thirsty? Is there a longing that you can’t seem to understand or meet? Is there a void that you hunger to fill. An emptiness you can’t explain? Have you tried to fill it with relationships? Material things? Alcohol? Drugs? There’s nothing in this world that can fill a spiritual thirst and hunger. Only Jesus can provide the living water that your soul thirsts for. To satisfy every longing. To soothe your soul. God knows everything about us, even the things we wish he didn’t. Despite this all, He loves us. All we need to do is confess our sins and He will provide the strength to overcome the ugliness of ourselves. 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, 

so great his love for those who fear him; 

as far as the east is from the west, 

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

-Psalm 103:11-12