Scripture: John 4:12 (ESV) – “Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.”

The Samaritan woman continues her conversation with Jesus, responding to His statement about living water with skepticism. She appeals to the greatness of Jacob, the patriarch who provided the well, questioning whether Jesus could possibly offer something better. This verse reveals her deep attachment to tradition and her struggle to grasp the spiritual reality Jesus is presenting.

The document emphasizes that her question is both revealing and ironic. She unknowingly asks Jesus—a far greater figure than Jacob—if He is superior to the patriarch. Jacob’s well provided water for physical sustenance, but it could never satisfy the soul’s thirst. In contrast, Jesus offers living water, which brings eternal life and true satisfaction. Her misunderstanding reflects how people often place their trust in religious heritage or tradition rather than in Christ Himself.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, highlights how this response shows the human tendency to cling to the past rather than embrace the new work God is doing. The Samaritan woman, like many, is fixated on historical figures and traditions, assuming that nothing greater could come than what had already been given. Boice notes that Jesus does not dismiss Jacob’s significance, but He gently shifts the focus away from the well and toward Himself, the true source of life. Boice warns that many today fall into a similar trap—relying on religious background, church membership, or past experiences instead of personally seeking Christ for salvation and fulfillment.

For us, this verse challenges us to consider whether we are clinging to tradition rather than embracing Christ fully. While religious heritage and spiritual influences are valuable, they cannot replace a personal relationship with Jesus. Like the Samaritan woman, we must be willing to look beyond earthly sources of satisfaction and recognize that only Jesus can provide what our souls truly need.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman struggled to see Jesus as greater than Jacob?
2. Are there traditions, past experiences, or religious affiliations you have relied on instead of pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ?
3. How can you help others recognize that Jesus offers something far greater than any earthly or religious tradition?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we confess that we sometimes place too much trust in traditions, past experiences, or religious heritage instead of looking to You. Help us to recognize that You are greater than anything this world can offer. Open our hearts to receive the living water that You alone provide, and give us the boldness to share this truth with others. May we never settle for anything less than the fullness of life found in You. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:11 (ESV) – “The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?’”

The Samaritan woman responds to Jesus with confusion, taking His words about living water in a literal sense. She sees a man sitting by a deep well with no bucket, speaking of offering water. Her question, “Where do you get that living water?”, reveals that she does not yet understand the spiritual reality Jesus is pointing to.

The document emphasizes that this response highlights a common human tendency—to focus on the physical and immediate rather than the spiritual and eternal. Just as Nicodemus struggled to understand the new birth in John 3, this woman struggles to grasp the concept of living water. She is thinking in earthly terms, assuming Jesus is talking about physical water, when in reality, He is offering something far greater—eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, notes that this verse demonstrates the spiritual blindness that exists apart from divine revelation. The woman does not yet recognize Jesus’ true identity, so she assumes He is speaking of something material. Boice points out that many people today approach Jesus in the same way—they look to Him only for physical provision, success, or comfort, missing the far greater spiritual gift He offers. Until God opens a person’s heart, they will remain focused on the temporary instead of the eternal.

For us, this verse serves as a reminder to examine how we approach Jesus. Are we seeking Him only for what He can give us in this life, or do we recognize that He offers something far greater—living water that satisfies the soul? It also encourages us to be patient with those who do not yet understand spiritual truths, just as Jesus patiently guided the Samaritan woman toward faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman misunderstood Jesus’ words about living water?
2. Are there times when you seek Jesus primarily for physical or temporary blessings rather than for the deeper spiritual life He offers?
3. How can you help others move from a material understanding of Jesus to a recognition of their spiritual need for Him?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we confess that we often focus on earthly needs and fail to see the deeper spiritual life You offer. Help us to understand that You are the source of living water—the only One who can truly satisfy our souls. Open our hearts and the hearts of those we share the gospel with, so that we may all come to recognize You as the Savior who gives eternal life. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:10 (ESV) – “Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’”

In this verse, Jesus shifts the conversation from physical needs to spiritual truth. The Samaritan woman had come to the well expecting to draw water, but Jesus invites her to recognize a far greater need—her need for living water. He tells her that if she truly understood the gift of God and who was speaking to her, she would be the one asking Him for water.

The document emphasizes that Jesus’ words reveal two crucial truths: (1) salvation is a gift from God, not something earned, and (2) Jesus Himself is the source of that gift. The woman sees Jesus as just a Jewish man at a well, but He is offering her something eternal—the living water of salvation. This term likely confused her at first, as she was thinking in physical terms, but Jesus was speaking of the spiritual renewal that comes through faith in Him.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, points out that this verse highlights how often people fail to recognize their deepest need. The Samaritan woman was focused on satisfying her immediate physical thirst, but Jesus was offering something far greater—eternal life. Boice also stresses the phrase “if you knew the gift of God,” noting that many people remain unaware of God’s grace simply because they do not recognize who Jesus truly is. Until the Spirit opens a person’s heart, they will continue searching for satisfaction in the wrong places.

For us, this verse serves as a reminder that Jesus is the only source of true fulfillment. We often chase after things that we believe will satisfy us—success, relationships, material wealth—but only Jesus can quench our soul’s deepest thirst. He freely offers the gift of salvation to all who recognize their need and come to Him in faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean by “living water”? How is it different from physical water?
2. Are there things in your life that you turn to for fulfillment instead of Christ?
3. How can you help others recognize the gift of God and their need for the living water that Jesus offers?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for offering the gift of living water—eternal life and true satisfaction in You. Open our eyes to recognize our need for You and to turn away from things that can never truly satisfy. Help us to see You for who You are and to share this incredible gift with others. May we thirst for You above all else, knowing that only You can quench the longing in our souls. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:9 (ESV) – “The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?’ (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)”

The Samaritan woman’s response to Jesus reveals the deep social and religious divisions that existed between Jews and Samaritans. She is genuinely surprised—perhaps even skeptical—that a Jewish man would speak to her, let alone ask for a drink. This moment highlights the radical nature of Jesus’ ministry. He does not abide by societal norms that divide people; instead, He reaches across barriers to bring salvation.

The document emphasizes the historical hostility between Jews and Samaritans. Jews considered Samaritans to be religiously impure because they had intermarried with non-Israelites and had a mixed form of worship. Most Jews avoided any interaction with Samaritans, let alone shared vessels with them. Yet, Jesus does not hesitate to speak to this woman, demonstrating that the gospel is for all people, regardless of race, background, or status.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, notes that Jesus’ conversation with this woman was revolutionary. A Jewish rabbi would typically avoid speaking with a woman in public, and even more so with a Samaritan woman of questionable reputation. Yet, Jesus breaks through cultural, gender, and religious divisions to offer her the gift of eternal life. Boice points out that this interaction foreshadows the Great Commission—Jesus came not just for the Jews but for the whole world.

For us, this verse challenges us to examine whether we allow cultural or social barriers to keep us from sharing the gospel. Jesus sets the example of stepping beyond human divisions to bring the message of salvation to those who need it. It also reminds us that Jesus meets us where we are, no matter our past or background. Just as He engaged with the Samaritan woman, He invites each of us into a life-changing relationship with Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think the Samaritan woman was so surprised that Jesus spoke to her?
2. Are there cultural or social barriers that you hesitate to cross when sharing your faith? How can Jesus’ example encourage you?
3. How does this verse reassure you that Jesus meets people exactly where they are, regardless of their past?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for breaking down every barrier that separates people from You. Teach us to follow Your example, reaching beyond cultural, social, and personal boundaries to share Your love. Help us to see people as You see them—not defined by their background but as souls in need of grace. May we boldly share the gospel with all people, trusting in Your power to transform lives. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:8 (ESV) – “(For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.)”

This verse may seem like a simple side note, but it sets the stage for an intimate and life-changing conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. With His disciples away in the city, Jesus is alone at the well, creating the perfect moment for this divine appointment.

The document highlights how Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman was no accident. In God’s sovereign plan, the disciples were sent away, allowing Jesus to engage with her one-on-one. This moment was significant because it broke multiple cultural and social barriers—Jews did not associate with Samaritans, men did not typically speak to women in public, and rabbis certainly did not engage in conversation with a woman of questionable reputation. Yet, Jesus remains intentional in His mission to seek and save the lost.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, notes that Jesus’ disciples were often a distraction in moments like these. Their presence may have prevented the woman from feeling comfortable enough to engage in the conversation that would soon unfold. Boice points out that God often removes distractions from our lives so that He can speak to us clearly. Jesus had an important truth to share, and this moment of solitude was divinely arranged.

For us, this verse reminds us that God is always at work behind the scenes. He orchestrates the timing of events in our lives to draw us closer to Him. Sometimes, He removes distractions or shifts circumstances so that we can encounter Him in a deeper way. Like the Samaritan woman, we may not always recognize these divine appointments at first, but Jesus meets us in unexpected moments, offering us the living water of His grace.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does this verse demonstrate God’s sovereignty in arranging divine appointments?
2. Have you ever experienced a moment where God removed distractions so you could focus on Him? How did that impact your faith?
3. In what ways can you be more aware of and open to God’s work in your daily interactions?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for orchestrating every detail of our lives, even the moments we don’t fully understand. Help us to recognize Your divine appointments and to be open to hearing Your voice. Remove any distractions that keep us from focusing on You, and teach us to trust in Your perfect timing. May we be ready and willing to share Your truth whenever You place someone in our path. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:7 (ESV) – “A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’”

This verse marks the beginning of one of the most remarkable encounters in Jesus’ ministry. A Samaritan woman, coming to Jacob’s well at an unusual hour, finds herself face to face with the Messiah. Jesus, in His humanity, is thirsty, yet in His divinity, He is about to quench a deeper thirst—the longing of a soul in need of salvation.

The document highlights how unusual this situation was. First, this woman was coming to the well alone at noon, a time when most women would have already drawn water in the morning or evening. Her timing suggests she was an outcast, likely avoiding the judgment of others because of her past. Second, Jesus breaks cultural barriers by speaking to her. As a Jewish man, He was expected to avoid conversation with a Samaritan, let alone a woman with a questionable reputation. Yet, Jesus does not conform to social norms; instead, He reaches out with grace.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, emphasizes the deliberate nature of this encounter. Jesus’ request for water was not incidental—it was a means of drawing the woman into a deeper conversation about spiritual thirst. Boice points out that Jesus often initiates discussions with people in ways that seem ordinary, yet they lead to profound truths. Here, He begins with a simple request but will soon offer living water that leads to eternal life.

For us, this verse reminds us that Jesus meets us where we are, even in our brokenness. He does not wait for us to have everything figured out before approaching us. Just as He sought out this Samaritan woman, He seeks us, inviting us to receive the living water only He can provide.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why is it significant that Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman, despite cultural and social barriers?
2. How has Jesus met you in unexpected ways, drawing you into a deeper relationship with Him?
3. How can you follow Jesus’ example by breaking social barriers to share the gospel with others?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking out the lost and broken, just as You did with the Samaritan woman. Teach us to see people as You do, without prejudice or fear. Help us to recognize divine appointments in our daily lives, where we can extend Your love and truth. May we thirst for the living water that only You can give, and may we share that water with others. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:6 (ESV) – “Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.”

This verse provides a remarkable glimpse into both the humanity and divinity of Jesus. We see Jesus, fully God yet fully man, experiencing physical exhaustion. His weariness is a reminder that He truly took on human flesh, subjecting Himself to the limitations of a human body—hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Yet, despite His physical weariness, He is still sovereign over all things. His decision to stop at this well at this particular time was no accident; it was a divine appointment.

The document emphasizes that Jesus’ presence at Jacob’s well carries deep significance. This well, tied to Israel’s patriarchal history, was a symbol of provision and survival. However, Jesus was about to offer something far greater than the physical water that Jacob’s well provided—He would offer living water, eternal life through Him. Additionally, the mention of the “sixth hour” (around noon) highlights the unusual timing of the encounter to come. Normally, women came to draw water in the morning or evening to avoid the heat. The fact that Jesus is there, waiting, foreshadows that something extraordinary is about to happen.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, highlights the beautiful irony of this moment. The Creator of the universe, who spoke the waters into existence, now sits at a well, thirsty and weary. Boice explains that Jesus’ weariness reminds us of His true humanity—He understands human weakness and exhaustion. Yet at the same time, His presence at the well was orchestrated by divine purpose. Boice also notes that Jesus’ weariness did not prevent Him from fulfilling His mission; rather, it positioned Him perfectly to engage with the Samaritan woman and reveal His identity as the Messiah.

For us, this verse is an encouragement in two ways. First, it reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles. He knows what it means to be tired, hungry, and worn down. We can come to Him with our burdens, knowing that He sympathizes with our weaknesses. Second, it challenges us to trust in God’s divine timing. Even in His physical weariness, Jesus was exactly where He needed to be for a life-changing encounter. In the same way, God places us in specific moments for His purposes, even when we may not fully understand them.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does seeing Jesus’ weariness deepen your understanding of His humanity and ability to relate to your struggles?
2. Have you ever experienced a moment where you were physically or emotionally drained, yet God still used you for His purposes? How did that shape your faith?
3. How can you trust in God’s divine timing, even in seasons of exhaustion or uncertainty?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking on human flesh and experiencing weariness, hunger, and thirst. It reminds us that You truly understand our struggles. Help us to trust that You place us exactly where we need to be, even when we feel weak or tired. Teach us to see divine appointments in everyday moments and to trust in Your perfect timing. May we always thirst for the living water that only You can provide. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:5 (ESV) – “So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.”

This verse sets the scene for one of the most profound encounters in Jesus’ ministry—the meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well. Sychar, located near the historic land given to Joseph by his father Jacob (Genesis 48:22), carries deep significance. This was a place of heritage, of God’s promises to Israel, and now it would become a place of new spiritual revelation.

The document highlights how John carefully provides historical context, reinforcing the idea that Jesus’ mission was not random. By choosing to stop in Sychar, Jesus steps into a setting rich with covenantal meaning. Jacob’s well was a symbol of provision and sustenance for generations, yet Jesus was about to offer something even greater—living water that would eternally satisfy the soul.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, draws attention to the significance of Jesus entering Samaritan territory. Boice notes that Jesus deliberately places Himself in a setting where Jews would not normally go, demonstrating that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background. He also emphasizes that the reference to Jacob’s land ties the past to the present—just as God had provided for His people through Jacob, He was now offering salvation through Christ. The old covenant pointed forward to the fulfillment found in Jesus.

For us, this verse reminds us that Jesus meets people where they are, even in unexpected places. It also encourages us to see the continuity of God’s work—how His promises in the past connect to His fulfillment in Christ. Just as Jesus went to Sychar to bring salvation, He comes to us today, offering living water that will never run dry.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think John includes the detail about Jacob’s field in this verse? How does it connect the Old and New Testaments?
2. How does Jesus’ willingness to go into Samaritan territory challenge your own view of sharing the gospel across cultural or social barriers?
3. In what ways has Jesus met you in unexpected places, offering you His grace and truth?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for meeting us where we are, just as You met the Samaritan woman in Sychar. Help us to recognize how Your work in history connects to Your work in our lives today. Give us the courage to cross barriers, just as You did, bringing Your truth and love to those who need it. May we always thirst for the living water that only You can provide. In Your name, Amen.

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Scripture: John 4:4 (ESV) – “And he had to pass through Samaria.”

This verse seems like a simple geographical note, but it carries deep theological significance. Jesus’ journey from Judea to Galilee took Him through Samaria, a region that most Jews would have avoided. Many Jewish travellers would take a longer route around Samaria to avoid interaction with the Samaritans, whom they viewed as religiously and ethnically impure. However, John emphasizes that Jesus had to go through Samaria. This phrase suggests that His journey was not merely a practical decision but a divine appointment.

The document highlights the historical tension between Jews and Samaritans. After the kingdom of Israel split, the northern kingdom formed its own religious centres and later intermarried with foreign settlers, leading to a mixed race and a syncretistic form of worship. By Jesus’ time, Jews and Samaritans had deep animosity, avoiding contact whenever possible. Yet, Jesus deliberately chooses to pass through Samaria, foreshadowing His mission to bring salvation not just to the Jews but to all people, including those marginalized by society.

James Montgomery Boice, in his Expositional Commentary on the Gospel of John, emphasizes that Jesus’ actions here demonstrate His sovereign purpose. Boice notes that Jesus never did anything by accident—His movements were always intentional and aligned with the will of the Father. His need to go through Samaria was not dictated by geography but by divine necessity. He had an appointment with the Samaritan woman at the well, and through her, an entire town would come to believe in Him.

For us, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God’s plans often take us through unexpected places for divine purposes. We may have preconceived notions about where we should go or whom we should engage with, but Jesus challenges us to break barriers and follow God’s leading. He calls us to see every encounter as an opportunity to share the gospel and extend His love, even in places we might otherwise avoid.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think John emphasizes that Jesus had to pass through Samaria? What does this tell us about His mission?
2. Are there places or people you tend to avoid, even though God may be calling you to engage with them?
3. How can you be more aware of divine appointments in your daily life, recognizing that God places people in your path for a reason?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us that no place or person is beyond the reach of Your love. Teach us to follow Your leading, even when it takes us through unexpected places. Give us hearts that are open to divine appointments, and help us to see every encounter as an opportunity to share Your truth. Break down our prejudices and fears so that we may love as You love and go where You send us. In Your name, Amen.

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