Alright ladies, just two more weeks of this study! I pray you’ve enjoyed it so far. Open your Bibles to John 4:1-42 and let’s dive into the story of the Woman of Samaria.
Sadly, we don’t know her name but she is one of the famous stories of God’s grace. Jesus was on His way to Galilee and He had to pass through Samaria. Now most Jews would not have gone that way because the people of Samaria were considered outcasts and the Jews wanted nothing to do with them. Jesus purposely chose this route to speak with the woman at the well.
Let’s give a little background info for context. The women would go to the well in the early morning to beat the heat of the day- makes sense, right? However, the woman of Samaria went at noon to avoid the other women. She went during that time to avoid the snide remarks, side and disapproving glances, and the whispers under their breath. This woman had made a lot of mistakes in her life and was even living in sin when we meet her.
When the woman came to the well, Jesus was there. By talking with her, Jesus was breaking down radical and cultural barriers. Men did not talk to women, Jews did not speak to Samaritans, and Jewish men definitely did not speak to Samaritan women. When Jesus asked her for water but then told her that she should ask Him for living water, she was probably confused. Why would a Jewish man speak to her? As Jesus continued, His words became more intriguing. He spoke of living water that gave eternal life and water that would make you never thrust again. She asked Him to give her some of this water, Jesus responded with “go call your husband” and this woman hung her head and responded “I have no husband”. Jesus already knew all her shame, her guilt, and her sins. He was there to give her hope and to tell her that the Messiah has come, that He was the Messiah. She was so excited that she ran back to town and told everyone what had happened! When was the last time we did that? When where we so thankfully for Jesus that we went running and telling everyone about Him. Jesus took away her shame and replaced it with boldness.
Let’s discuss what we just read. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below we can discuss them together!
- What did we learn about God and His character in the life of the Woman of Samaria?
- What character qualities, positive or negative, do we see in the Woman of Samaria’s life?
- What can I learn from the Woman of Samaria’s story and apply it to my own life?
This woman became the first evangelist to the Samaritans. Others believed what she said about Jesus and she shared her testimony. We can learn so much from her, we are reminded that we too are sinners and outcasts who have been accepted and redeemed by Jesus. God has poured out His grace and mercy on us that we do not deserve. He has taken away us from outcasts to His daughters. He has taken away our shame. But we can now boldly proclaim who Jesus is because of what He has done for us!
Well, ladies, we are finishing the fourth week of our devotionals together! As we wrap this week up I want you to answer a few more questions. Make sure you’re comfortable, get your coffee, your blanket, and let’s reflect on this week.
- Which woman stuck out to you the most this week and why?
- What did you observe from this week’s reading about God and His character?
- What does this week’s reading teach about the condition of mankind and about yourself?
- How does this week’s reading point to the gospel?
- How should you respond to this week’s reading? What is the personal application?
- What specific action steps can you take to apply this week’s reading?
“I am the bread of life.” Jesus told them, “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one will believe in me will ever be thirsty again.” John 6:35
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Next week we’ll start with the Sinful Woman and see how God moved in her life. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.