I would like to suggest that this woman had a genuine interest in worship and theology and was simply asking an honest theological question from someone she regarded as a prophet. See Deuteronomy 27:4-6. What does John 4:4 mean? A 30-minute podcast of an excellent sermon on the Samaritan woman is here. (The New Testament records several theological conversations between Jesus and women. Thank you for your response of this instant. And the power of his word. There was great hatred between the Samaritans and the Jews. John 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. God sometimes uses very weak and unlikely instruments for beginning and carrying on a good work. Jesus knows that this woman is “thirsty” and promises that his living water will completely quench a person’s spiritual longing and thirst. 4 Now he had to … I just read this today (28.03.14) in Robert L. Webb’s chapter, “John the Baptist and his Relationship to Jesus” in Studying the Historical Jesus, eds. John 4:1-45 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman. He would put honour upon his disciples, by employing them to baptize. Give it me, saith she, not that I may have everlasting life, which Christ proposed, but that I come not hither to draw. “Jesus ignores the centuries-old hostility between Jew and Samaritan, rides roughshod over the battlements of an entrenched gender-divide, and actually engages this woman in conversation.”[4] It is the longest conversation between Jesus and another person recorded in the Gospels. Here. Required fields are marked *. 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. But how closely our Lord Jesus brings home the conviction to her conscience! The disciples wondered that Christ talked thus with a Samaritan. To abide in Christ is a cleaving to Him, in love. Pending.). When the Lord knew — Without receiving information from any one; how the Pharisees — Whose interest in the sanhedrim was very great; had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John — To shun the effects of their envy and malice, which were hereby excited; he left Judea — After having … Jews travelling between Judea and Galilee normally went around Samaria (a six-day journey), but Jesus was compelled by Holy Spirit to travel through Samaria for a divine appointment. He conveys these facts without the slightest sense of criticism or condemnation. Christ gave an answer of peace. John 4 – A Samaritan Woman and a Nobleman Meet Jesus A. the Samaritans built a temple on Mount Gerizim. 4 1 “For indeed the day 2 is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. (4-26) The effects of Christ's conversation with the woman of Samaria. She may have lived an immoral life, she is nameless and possibly vulnerable. I am doing a research on John’s Gospel Chapter 4: 1 – 45. I am doing some Bible studies on the Gospel of John with some students and your comments have been very helpful. Honours and titles are no security from sickness and death. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph() 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the wellIt was about noon. 4 Now he had to … They believed in Yahweh (Yahweh is God’s name) but they worshipped at Mt Gerizim[1] instead of Jerusalem. It is plausible that the five husbands represent the five tribes[7] sent by the Assyrians who had intermarried with the Samaritans, and that the woman is symbolic of Samaria. This caused a lot of tension and hostility between the Jews and Samaritans. [5] Sugchraomai literally means “to use together”. The woman was disposed to leave the matter undecided, till the coming of the Messiah. But at first he discovered the weakness of his faith in the power of Christ. It was about “the sixth hour” (John 4:6), meaning six hours from sunrise at 6 AM, hence noon. Weiss interprets the words as meaning that Jesus leaves Samaria, where honour had come unbidden, in order to evoke faith and honour where as yet He had none: thus continuing the hard work of sowing and leaving to the disciples … Carnal hearts look no higher than carnal ends. (The Samaritan religious community still exists today.). Bruce Chilton and Craig A. Evans (Leiden: Brill, 1988) 188. It is midday, and Jesus and his disciples have arrived at a Samaritan town called Sychar which is close to the land Jacob gave to Joseph’s descendants. The knowledge of Christ still spreads through families, and men find health and salvation to their souls. According to the Hebrew Torah (Lev. In John 7:38-39, John explains that living water represents the Holy Spirit. Study … To avoid becoming involved in a futile confrontation with the Pharisees, Jesus and his disciples leave Judea to travel north to Galilee. This is quite different in our Bible. 1 John 4:4 "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." She fastened upon that part of Christ's discourse, many would think she would have been most shy of repeating; but the knowledge of Christ, into which we are led by conviction of sin, is most likely to be sound and saving. However, the Samaritans were loathed by most Jews. Marg Mowczko lives north of Sydney, Australia, in a house filled with three generations of family. The greatest men must go themselves to God, must become beggars. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Samaria lies directly between Jerusalem and Galilee. She meets Jesus, a Jewish man, in the midday sun in what would have been a scandalous encounter according to the customs of society at that time. ), True, Spiritual Worship – John 4:20-26 (This will be covered in another session. the Jews), and that people who really worship God do so through their lives, and not specifically in a building. The Jews regarded the Samaritans as ignorant, superstitious, mongrels, outside of God’s favour or consideration, and they would not associate with them. The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman is the first of three major stories in the gospel of John. And the bringing the cure to the family brought salvation to it. And we learn that Jesus’ closest disciples are baptising the new followers. All Rights Reserved. Did the Samaritan woman realise that she needed Jesus’ gift of living water for her purification and forgiveness? The Samaritans declared that “ Jesus is the Saviour of the world!”. John 4:27-30 His disciples marvel; the woman calleth the men of. In the heat of the day, a Samaritan woman has come to draw water from the well. Thus when particular difficulties occur in the word and providence of God, it is good to satisfy ourselves that all is well that Jesus Christ … © 2020 Christianity.com. Would you like to support my ministry of encouraging mutuality and equality between men and women in the church and in marriage? What does 1 John 4:4 mean? The woman is astonished, even shocked by this request, and she points out that Jews do not associate (NIV), or have dealings (NASB) with Samaritans. She was an alien and a hostile Samaritan, merely speaking to her was thought to disgrace our Lord Jesus. Become a Patron! It’s really helpful. I have a few articles on the Gospel of John chapters 1-10. Reason teaches us to consult decency and convenience in the places of our worship; but religion gives no preference to one place above another, in respect of holiness and approval with God. 21:4), the use of flowing water, or “living” water, was required for ritual purification of the more severe forms of uncleanness; and in the Judaism of Jesus’ time flowing water and rivers were associated with repentance and forgiveness. It is hard to persuade ourselves that distance of time and place, are no hinderance to the knowledge, mercy, and power of our Lord Jesus. The Samaritans had adapted their own syncretised worship practices, and they had their own Pentateuch in Aramaic which differed somewhat from the Hebrew Pentateuch. Here’s another book. In the first three verses of chapter 4, we discover that Jesus is gaining more and more disciples, more disciples than John the Baptist (cf John 3:23b & 26). 1 John 4:4. And he must needs go through Samaria.] His servants met him with the news of the child's recovery. John 4:31-38 Christ showeth his own zeal to do God’s work, and the. Christ knows all the thoughts, words, and actions, of all the children of men. Roger Hahn. Its very encouraging to hear from you. Jesus and Women, «  Water in Wine – John 2:1-12 Unfortunately, I don’t have time to think through and write down my own thoughts at this time. Harvest-time is a short time, and harvest-work must be done then, or not at all; so the time of the gospel is a season, which if once past, cannot be recalled. Christ took the occasion to teach her Divine things: he converted this woman, by showing her ignorance and sinfulness, and her need of a Saviour. Thus an experience of the power of one word of Christ, may settle the authority of Christ in the soul. He refers to his readers as "little children," using the same Greek phrasing he did in 1 John 2:12. CHAPTER 4. Our Saviour, by teaching one poor woman, spread knowledge to a whole town. 5:17; Gal. 1-4. the Lord knew--not by report, but in the sense of John 2:25, for which reason He is here styled "the Lord.". John 4:26, “Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” What He actually uses is ego eime- I AM. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”  Jesus answers this with “egō eimi” (I am), a term thought to refer to God himself. [1] Abraham and Jacob had built altars near Mount Gerizim (Ge 12:7; 33:20). Those taught of God, are truly desirous to learn more. John 4:24(NASB) Verse Thoughts Religious men often seek to worship God through symbolic acts; man-made rituals; fleshly works or emotional outbursts.. but God desires a worshipful heart that is clean before Him; dependent upon Him; submissive to Him and full of humility and grace. In the certainty of it: we know that this is indeed the Christ. This particular woman is not only an ''unclean'' Samaritan, but an outcast among her own people. ii. Thank you so much for your knid help. 2. What does John chapter 4 mean? And the life was the light of men — He, who is essential life, and the author of life to all that live, was also the fountain of wisdom, holiness, … 1 John 4:8(NASB) Verse Thoughts What a beautiful truth it is.. to know that God is love, and that the love that we are called to manifest in our lives, has its source in the divine love of God. Also, he was a poor man, and went all his journeys on foot. John 4 - NIV: Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. For example, I have not written about the important topic of spiritual worship (John 4:20-26). Jesus doesn’t have his own utensil to draw water from the deep well. [3] Compare Genesis 33:19 and 48:52 with Joshua 24:32. This “religious movement” was gaining momentum and was causing some concern for the Pharisees. [3] Exhausted from the journey, Jesus sits alone by the well of Jacob while the disciples go into the town to buy lunch (John 4:8). This agrees with John 4:45, “having seen the miracles which He had done in Jerusalem”. Two things affected the woman. There is no fear in love — No slavish or tormenting fear, diffidence, or distrust, can be where love reigns; but perfect, mature love casteth out such fear, because such fear hath torment — And so is inconsistent with the happiness of love. Josephus spoke of this as the customary way of the Galileans going up during the feasts at Jerusalem. Perhaps you can tell your students about my website. Here’s a link to my commentary on John’s Gospel: https://margmowczko.com/category/bible-study-notes/gospel-of-john-bible-study-notes/. Jesus describes this living water as becoming a spring of gushing water, eternally flowing from within the person who receives his gift. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. He that feareth is not made perfect in love — In the sense above explained. [He must needs go through Samaria. Here, He converses with a Samaritan woman. Here. It came to other nations through them. I read your understanding of the text on the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus and it is very clear. [5] This is precisely what Jesus is asking. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Our Master has left us an example, that we may learn to do the will of God as he did; with diligence, as those that make a business of it; with delight and pleasure in it. And he visits Jesus discreetly at night, possibly under the cover of darkness (John 3:1-2). Jesus commends her honesty. (27-42) Christ heals the nobleman's son. It should cool our contests, to think that the things we are striving about are passing away. I’m not sure how much detail or depth you want for your research. (See also John 4:12.). Their faith grew. Using Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman recorded in chapter 4, and Jesus’ previous encounter with Nicodemus recorded in chapter 3, John presents the most fundamental and profound spiritual truths, and yet the Samaritan woman and Nicodemus could not be more different from each other. The power of his word in searching the heart, and convincing the conscience of secret things, is a proof of Divine authority. ]Josephus tells us, It was the custom for the Galileans, in their journeying to Jerusalem to their feasts, to go through Samaria. Commentary on John 4:27-42 (Read John 4:27-42) The disciples wondered that Christ talked thus with a Samaritan. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights. Good news will meet those that hope in God's word. Jesus suddenly changes the subject and asks the woman to call her husband. « Jesus Clears the Temple –John 2:13-23 Spiritual affections, as shown in fervent prayers, supplications, and thanksgivings, form the worship of an upright heart, in which God delights and is glorified. I would like to ask you if you could share some of your thoughts on the context of the Theology of this Chapter. What Does 1 John 4:4 Mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑] In modern English, Jesus' response to His mother comes across as blunt, even rude. 4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John — 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. himself unto her. John 1:4-5. The term "woman" could also be thought of as "madam," such as in John 19:26 … Christ compares his work to harvest-work. If you have any more comments on John’s whole Gospel, may I get permission from you to use them to help my students. 4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. Our countryman Biddulph describes the way which he himself travelled … In chapter 2, there is a strong contrast between the joyous, secretive miracle at the wedding and the angry, ostentatious cleansing of the temple. Of whatever waters of comfort we drink, we shall thirst again. Not the city, but the country of Samaria; for the way to Galilee from Judea, lay through the midst of Samaria; nor was there any other way, without going a great way about; see ( Luke 9:51 Luke 9:52) ( 17:11) ; and which is also confirmed by Josephus F3: and this accounts for his … The fact that Jesus got tired attests to Him having been fully man, as well as fully God, when He was on the earth. Jesus, Women and Theology: Jesus said to her …, « Faith Belief Trust and Salvation – John 2:24-25, » Jesus and the Court Official – John 4:43-54, Many women leaders in the Bible had this one thing in common, The Propriety of Bible Women with Authority, https://margmowczko.com/category/bible-study-notes/gospel-of-john-bible-study-notes/, Don Carson and Tim Keller on “I Do Not Permit a Woman to Teach”, In the Image of God (Gen 1:26-28) in a Nutshell. However, just as Nicodemus had failed to see the spiritual meaning of being “born again” (John 3:3-4), the woman fails to see the spiritual significance of the “living water” and only sees what may be a practical advantage for her. 4 But He needed to go … Jesus applied himself more to preaching, which was the more excellent, 1 Corinthians 1:17, than to baptism. The coming day will burn them up,” says the Lord who rules over all. blessedness of his disciples, who were to reap the. He teaches us that the benefit of sacraments depends not on the hand that administers them. John 4:39-42 Many … 4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John — 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. In the original Greek, His reply was very formal, and polite. [6] He will have to share and drink from her vessel—a Samaritan woman’s vessel! By this living water is meant the Spirit. These Samaritans were ready to believe, however, and they went on to trust in Jesus, even more, when they had heard him for themselves. It is a holding fast to Him in trusting obedience. And we learn that Jesus’ closest disciples are baptising the new followers. The father was a nobleman, yet the son was sick. Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman were very different, completely different. The word of salvation was of the Jews. Thus when particular difficulties occur in the word and providence of God, it is good to satisfy ourselves that all is well that Jesus Christ says and does. Toil came in with sin; therefore Christ, having made himself a curse for us, submitted to it. In him — Or, through him, as Beza understands it; was life — He was the living and powerful Word, which was the source of life to every living creature, as well as of being to all that exists. And in the ground of it, for we have heard him ourselves. Living water, that is, running water, was considered preferable to the still, well water that percolated through the ground. But it is just speculation with no basis.) Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I don’t like this author’s view of women, but his book on the theology of the book of John may be useful to you. He severely reproved her present state of life. It is believing the truth of His Word with an unshakable assurance. Yet John puts these two people side by side in his Gospel and shows that Jesus treated them with equal concern and regard, and he taught both of them precious eternal truths. Christ shows that the water of Jacob's well yielded a very short satisfaction. (1-3) His discourse with the Samaritan woman. What follows is an extraordinary encounter between Jesus and this unnamed woman. Surely, we ought readily to submit to be like the Son of God in such things as these. We should not go into places of temptation but when we needs must; and then must not dwell in them, but hasten through them. Christ's road from Judea to Galilee lay through Samaria. her city to see him. 4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John — 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. God was about to be revealed as the Father of all believers in every nation. The spirit or the soul of man, as influenced by the Holy Spirit, must worship God, and have communion with him. Yet to this woman did our Lord reveal himself more fully than as yet he had done to any of his disciples. Moderate men of all sides are men wondered at. She attempts to avoid Jesus' teachings, giving flippant and sarcastic answers. But Christ told her, I that speak to thee, am He. Thank you for allowing me to advise my students about your website. A Brief History of the Samaritans God’s blessings in your work. What does John 2:4 mean? The whole family believed likewise. “It 3 will not leave even a root or branch. In the first three verses of chapter 4, we discover that Jesus is gaining more and more disciples, more disciples than John the Baptist (cf John 3:23b & 26 ). Christ's saying that the soul lives, makes it alive. No past sins can bar our acceptance with him, if we humble ourselves before him, believing in him as the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (43-54). On page 14, he says, "I suggest, however, that it may be profitable to consider John 4:19-26 … 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Jesus, Women and Theology: Jesus said to her … Jesus knows that the woman has had five husbands and that the man she is living with now is not her husband. Note: A more recent, better article on the Samaritan woman is here. The Samaritans had developed their own compromised version of Judaism. [2] They did not accept the poetic books or prophetic books of the Old Testament as Scripture. Thus we see that he was truly a man. Click here to: John 4:4-42. The nobleman did not stop from his request till he prevailed. 1 John 4:18-19. John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish … Nicodemus was male, a Jew, educated, and from a good family. John 4:4 records that in order to reach Galilee it was necessary to pass through Samaria, although an alternative route through Peraea on the eastern side of the Jordan could have been taken. This gospel frequently uses stories as an introduction to a discourse about the meaning of Jesus. Christ asked a woman for water. Yet they knew it was for some good reason, and for some good end. After Jesus’ speech about true, spiritual worship, the woman, becoming increasingly aware of his spiritual stature says, “I know that Messiah is coming. [Lynn Cohick discusses marriage in the ancient world and the marital status of the Samaritan woman here.]. Not only does he find it important for understanding this story, but central to the entire Gospel. The overall lesson that I get is that the kingdom of God doesn’t belong to one group of people (eg. Later, Jesus would specifically mention Samaria when he told his disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). They came to him: those who would know Christ, must meet him where he records his name. John 4:4. fruit of his labours. The Samaritans, however, were still very part of God’s plans as shown in this chapter of John’s gospel. John 4:5-6 sets the scene for this narrative. Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman. This is remarkable because a woman’s testimony was legally worthless in those days, and this woman’s reputation may have been dubious. [4] Derek & Diane Tidball, The Message of Woman: Creation, Grace and Gender, (Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press, 2012), 169. 14:5-6, 50-52; 15:13; Num. 3:28). » Jesus and the Court Official – John 4:43-54. The Jews ultimately destroyed the Samaritan temple in 128/9 BC. The harvest is appointed and looked for before it comes; so was the gospel. Jesus and the Samaritan woman – John 4:1-4. The object of worship will continue still the same, God, as a Father; but an end shall be put to all differences about the place of worship. Jesus asks the woman to give him a drink of water. “Greater is he that is in you”: Believers need to be aware and alert to false teaching, but not afraid, since those who have experienced the new birth with its indwelling of the Holy Spirit have a … 4. John 4:1-9 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman. In order to make the shortest possible trip, a person could simply pass through Samaritan territory on their way from the city. Diligent comparing the works of Jesus with his word, will confirm our faith. The Jews were certainly in the right. She strongly believes that if we are in Christ we are part of the New Creation and part of a community where old social paradigms of hierarchies and caste or class systems have no place (2 Cor. John 4 New King James Version (NKJV) A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah. Later Mt Gerizim was to be blessed when the Israelites entered the promised land (Deut 11:29). (Some speculate that the woman comes at midday to avoid meeting people because she was ashamed of her life. And he must needs go through Samaria. In the Greek, verse 26 literally says, “I am he who is speaking to you.” (John 4:26)  Jesus clearly identifies himself to her as the Messiah. The woman immediately leaves her water jar and goes into the town (cf Matt. 2 But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication 4 will rise with healing wings, 5 and you will skip … Ye are of God, little children This, with what follows, is said for the comfort of the saints, and to deliver them from the fears of being drawn aside by the delusions of the false prophets, and antichrists; since they belonged to God, were his elect, and therefore could not be finally and totally seduced; they were the … What we’ve seen is a revelation. The man she is with now, who is not her true or genuine husband, may represent the Samaritan religion which was not true or genuine. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, … The father went his way, which showed the sincerity of his faith. ... Jesus also showed that just because someone calls a relationship marriage, it does not mean that Jesus considers it marriage. Nicodemus held a prestigious position in society. In the matter of it: they believed him to be the Saviour, not only of the Jews but of the world.
Kenmore Ice Maker Not Working Red Light Blinking, Home Candy Store Ideas, Neurocritical Care Fellowship Salary, Bible Verses About Turning To God For Help, What Animal Am I Fox, Difference Between Content And Process Theories Of Motivation With Examples,