The Gospel of John | Week Four Summary
inTro
The Journey back to Galilee
Chapter 4 of John’s Gospel focuses on Jesus’ return to Galilee where he goes through Samaria hence his interaction with a Samaritan woman. John structured his narrative, showing two miracles in Cana that is the turning of water into wine and the healing of a nobleman’s son.
The two personal conversations, one with Nicodemus and one with the Samaritan woman highlight contrasts in setting, time, social status, and how each individual reacted to Jesus. Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher, left questioning, while the Samaritan woman proclaimed the gospel. John’s phrasing that Jesus “needed to go through Samaria” suggests both a practical route and a divine appointment.
inGest
By the well
The division between Jews and Samaritans began after the Assyrian conquest and when the northern Israelites intermarried with surrounding cultures, leading to religious and social tensions. When Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for water, He broke societal norms, using the moment to offer her “living water,” symbolizing spiritual fulfillment.
Though initially confused, the woman was drawn to His message. Jesus revealed His knowledge of her life, leading her to recognize Him as a prophet. Their conversation shifted to the issue of true worship, and Jesus emphasized that true worship would be about spirit and truth, not location.
inTerpret
Beginning of a Great Harvest
In John 4:25–30, the Samaritan woman, impressed by Jesus’ words at first looks to the future Messiah for answers but Jesus is reveals Himself as the “I AM” (a direct reference to God from Exodus 3:14). While the woman quickly moves from doubt to belief, embracing the truth and sharing it with others, the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ references to heavenly realities, such as the “food” that sustains Him and the spiritual “harvest” of souls. Jesus uses metaphors from the Old Testament to illustrate the contrast between earthly and divine matters, ultimately pointing to the joy of reaping the fruits of spiritual labour, as seen in the woman’s conversion and witness.
inVite
Come and See
In John 4:28-42, the Samaritan woman, transformed by her encounter with Jesus, leaves her water pot behind in her haste to share the news of the Messiah with her village. Her simple testimony leads many to come and see Jesus for themselves thus many more like Andrew and Peter, the Samaritans believe through personal experience. His two day’s stay deepened their faith.
The woman’s story parallels John the Baptist’s role as a witness to Christ, showing how discipleship and witness lead to a spiritual harvest. John’s Gospel shows a personal encounter with Jesus thus the villagers’ testimony that Jesus is the “Savior of the world” underscores His global mission.
inSight
A personal Savior
Ellen G. White emphasizes in these passages the profound love and compassion of Christ. Despite the hatred between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus tactfully asked the Samaritan woman for a favour, awakening her trust.
This act demonstrates that Christ longs for a personal connection with each soul, desiring their recognition and love, just as a mother longs for a child’s affection. Faith in Jesus must go beyond mere intellectual belief; it requires a personal, living connection that transforms the soul and brings salvation.
Christ continuously offers eternal life, tenderly calling sinners to return to Him, but those who reject Him are left in darkness.
inQuire
In what ways can you invite others to “come and see” (John 4:29)?
Describe your experience, or lack thereof, of becoming a well of living water (John 4:14).
In what ways should your understanding of witnessing change based on the story of the Samaritan woman and her impact?
The disciples were in a better position than the Samaritan to understand Jesus’ teachings. Why were they slower to comprehend?
Read through the passage again, this time placing yourself within it. Imagine you’re sitting slightly off to one side, observing. What would you be thinking about Jesus’ interaction with the woman?
How do you understand the concept of Jesus being the Savior of the world? In what ways is He the Savior of all men (Rom. 5:18; 2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 4:10; 1 John 2:1, 2)?
Take a moment to enter a prayerful state of mind. Meditate on John 4:21–24. Think carefully about what it means to be a true worshiper of God. Share your insights
