1. Why did Jesus leave Jordan for Galilee? Jesus’ ministry was focused in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. John tended to emphasize the Judean ministry above the others. Matthew and Mark concentrated more on the Galilean ministry, and Luke mostly on the Samarian. He is on His way home following the Passover in Jerusalem. The Greek words used in this passage show that Jesus excused Himself from Judea to go to Samaria. Jews normally went along the Jordan River to avoid the Samaritans, but Jesus went straight to Samaria to do His Father’s will.
2. Why did Jesus feel He must go through Samaria? He was interested in doing His Father’s will by preaching to the Samaritans.
3. What is the historic situation of the Samaritans? The Jews and the Samaritans were not friendly towards each other. They were bitter enemies.
4. Contrast the woman and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a person of stature and understanding. The woman at the well lived in shame. He was wealthy, and she was poor. He came to Jesus, but Jesus went to her. He was an outstanding character, while she was an outcast. Nicodemus was a Jew, but she was a Samaritan. He was religious, and she was worldly. He did not do anything instantly, but the woman went through the city proclaiming what Jesus had done for her. Jesus dealt with Nicodemus bluntly but used tact and understanding with the woman.
5. What is the purpose of water? Jesus contrasted the water which He had requested from her with the living water that He could give her. He talked to her about a kind of water which would bring her satisfaction in this life.
6. What were the potential areas of controversy and how did Jesus avoid them? The woman asked Him three questions which could have been described as loaded. First, she was sarcastic about His living water, asking how He would take drink of a Samaritan woman. He began talking about living water. Second, she asked if He were greater than Jacob. He emphasized the different nature of His water. Third, she asked where you should worship God, and He told her about genuine, spiritual worship.
7. How did the woman's change in using Jesus' title reflect her changing attitude? She started by calling Him a Jew. Then, she associated Him with Jacob. Next, she called Him a prophet and finally Christ.
8. What was the attitude of the disciples when they returned to Jesus? The discipled were astonished that He would spend time with a woman, something which a Rabbi should not do. They did not speak to Him about that, but they did encourage Him to eat.
9. Who responded to Jesus because of the witness of the woman? Many of the Samaritans in that city were saved because the woman took it upon herself to tell others. Many more were saved when He remained in the city for two more days. The disciples, who were better trained for the job, had not done anything, so they did not take part in the harvest of souls.
10. How long did Jesus stay in Samaria? They asked Him to stay awhile, so He stayed for two days.
11. Where was the nobleman's son healed? Jesus had returned to Cana, but the nobleman’s son was in Capernaum. This healing is not the same as the one in the synoptic gospels. In the other healing, Jesus was in Capernaum, and He was approached by the elders. The centurion only wanted Jesus to speak a word, while the nobleman wanted Jesus to come home to Capernaum with Him. Jesus marvelled at the faith in Capernaum, but He was frustrated by the unbelief in Cana and Galilee.
12. Why is this called the second miracle? Jesus healed the nobleman’s son, even though He was not actually in Capernaum.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
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