John tells us that on His way through Samaria, Jesus stopped at Jacob’s well, weary from His journey. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus spoke to her:
“A woman of Samaria said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” (John 4:9–10)
This encounter broke cultural barriers. Jews and Samaritans despised one another, and Jewish men typically did not speak openly with women in public. Yet Jesus deliberately chose to reveal Himself to her, showing that His salvation was not limited by ethnicity, gender, or reputation.
As their conversation continued, He exposed her past:
“Jesus said to her, ‘Go, call your husband, and come here.’ The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You have well said, “I have no husband,” for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.’” (John 4:16–18)
Though she was living in sin, Jesus did not turn her away. Instead, He revealed to her the truth about worship:
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Finally, He declared openly to her what He had not plainly said to many others:
“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’” (John 4:25–26)
Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman to show that His salvation is for the outcast and the sinner, that He alone gives living water, and that true worship is not tied to places or traditions, but to the Spirit and truth found in Him.
