John 4:1-26 In-Context 1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
Full Answer
What do we learn from the story of the Samaritan woman?
When the woman believed, she immediately ran off to tell others. The filling not only filled her longing, but it gave her a new desire to use the energy to go out and live her purpose. To share the gospel, to become disciples. The woman at the well is an example of love, truth, redemption, and acceptance.
What is the main point of John 4?
In chapter 4, the Baptism introduces the reader to a prominent theme of Wisdom (water) throughout John. First, Jesus reveals himself to a Samaritan woman at the well, which is remarkable since Samaritan women were regarded by Jews as impure. Therefore, Jews were forbidden to drink from any vessel they had handled.
What is the meaning of the woman at the well?
The story of the Samaritan woman, also known as the woman at the well, draws our attention to the central themes of the Gospel. By approaching her, Jesus demonstrates His care for all, regardless of their social standing. We can also be inspired by the Samaritan woman's excitement in sharing the good news of Jesus.
Where is the woman at the well in the Bible?
The Samaritan woman at the well is a figure from the Gospel of John, in John 4:4–26. In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions, she is venerated as a saint with the name Photine (Φωτεινή), meaning "luminous [one]".
What does John 4 teach?
“Our purpose is to worship the true and living God and to do it by the power of the Spirit and in the way he has ordained. The approved worship of the true God leads to salvation; devotions rendered to false gods and which are not founded on eternal truth carry no such assurance.
What is John 4 about in the Bible?
John 4 is the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The major part of this chapter recalls Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well.
What did Jesus mean by living water?
McConkie defined living water as “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrines of the gospel.” He went on to explain, “Where there are prophets of God, there will be found rivers of living water, wells filled with eternal truths, springs bubbling forth ...
What is the significance of Jacob's well in John 4?
(John 4:7–15) The site is counted as a Christian holy site. From a Christian perspective, the reference in John's Gospel to the well seems to hint at a deeper nuptial reading of Jesus as the Bridegroom of Israel come to reunite the divided tribes through a spiritual union with him, the long-awaited Messiah; see St.
What does the well symbolize in the Bible?
Jesus used the well water as an analogy to represent God's fountain of life, given through Jesus for our salvation. The scenario between Jesus and the woman continued with her asking Jesus for the water of eternal life, literally thinking she would never have to return to the Jacob's well at all.
Why was the woman at the well at noon?
This Samaritan woman goes to the well in the heat of the day most likely because she wanted to avoid running into others who would look on her as a tainted woman. She is surprised to encounter a man, and even more a Jewish man, who initiates a conversation with her.
Can a woman be a disciple?
Female disciples There were women disciples at the foot of the cross. Women were reported to be the first witnesses to the resurrection, chief among them was Mary Magdalene. She was not only "witness", but also called a "messenger" of the risen Christ.
How long did the woman with the issue of blood suffer?
12 yearsIntroduction to the Woman with the Issue of Blood The unnamed woman in this Gospel story is a woman who has suffered for 12 years from a certain kind of bleeding; it is often translated as “hemorrhaging.” She has visited many doctors and healers, and none of them has been able to heal her.
Jesus and the Woman of Samaria
4 1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John- 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
Other Translations of John 4:1-26
4 1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 4:1-26
Jesus applied himself more to preaching, which was the more excellent, 1 Corinthians 1:17, than to baptism. He would put honour upon his disciples, by employing them to baptize. He teaches us that the benefit of sacraments depends not on the hand that administers them.
What does Acts 2:41 mean?
i. This also means that when the disciples began the practice of Christian baptism on Pentecost ( Acts 2:41 ), their prior experience of baptizing was in connection with repentance, cleansing, and identification with the Messiah’s work.
Where did the first signs of Jesus take place?
The first two signs in the Gospel of John took place at Cana of Galilee. The first was at the best party ever – a wedding party. The second was connected with the worst tragedy ever – the illness and soon death of a child. Jesus is real in both aspects.
Why did Jesus say "living water"?
But Jesus made a play on words with the phrase “ living water ,” because He meant the spiritual water that quenches spiritual thirst and gives life. i. “In the Old Testament living water is sometimes associated with Jehovah. He is called ‘the fountain of living waters’ ( Jeremiah 2:13, 17:13 ).” (Morris) ii.
Did Jesus baptize more disciples than John?
b. Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples ): Jesus’ work of baptism was first referred to in John 3:22. Jesus considered it important to also do John’s work of baptizing as a demonstration of repentance and cleansing in preparation for the Messiah.
Where does John 4:43-54 go?
John 4:43-54He goeth into Galilee, and healeth a nobleman’s son
What does 4:1-3 mean in the Bible?
4:1-3 Jesus applied himself more to preaching, which was the more excellent, 1Co 1:17, than to baptism. He would put honour upon his disciples, by employing them to baptize. He teaches us that the benefit of sacraments depends not on the hand that administers them. Barnes' Notes on the Bible.
What is the inference from John's retirement?
The report which reached John (John 3:26) had come to them also, and the inference from His retirement is that it had excited their hostility. The hour to meet this has not yet come, and He withdraws to make, in a wider circle, the announcement which He has made in the Temple, in Jerusalem, in Judæa, and is about to make in Samaria and in Galilee.
When the Lord knew, how the Pharisees?
John 4:1-3. When the Lord knew — Without receiving information from any one; how the Pharisees — Whose interest in the sanhedrim was very great; had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John— To shun the effects of their envy and malice, which were hereby excited; he left Judea — After having continued there, it seems, about eight months; and departed again into Galilee — His former place of abode, where the influence and power of the council were not so great, and where his presence was necessary, as the ministry of his forerunner in that country was now brought to a period. It seems the testimony which the Baptist had given to Christ, together with the miracles which he himself had wrought at Jerusalem during the passover, had greatly impressed the minds of the people; so that vast numbers, during his abode in those parts, were continually flocking around him, and many attached themselves to him as his followers; a circumstance which gave great umbrage to the Pharisees. For these men claimed it as the privilege of their sect to direct the consciences of the people, and were therefore enraged to find such numbers of them acknowledging, as the Messiah, one whose birth and fortune so little suited the notions which they had taught concerning the great deliverer of the nation. The evangelist informs us, that Jesus himself baptized not — Perhaps because it was not proper to baptize in his own name, and because it was of more importance to preach than to baptize, 1 Corinthians 1:17. Besides, it might have given those who were baptized by him occasion to value themselves above others, as happened in the church of Corinth, where the brethren valued themselves upon the character of the persons who had baptized them. Indeed the baptism properly Christ’s was that of the Holy Ghost, with which Spirit John had foretold he should baptize his followers. See Macknight.
What is the ministry and revelation of the Lord?
The ministry and revelation of the Lord to those beyond the strict compass of the theocracy. This passage describes an incident of consummate interest, and records a specimen of our Lord's intercourse with individuals , and the reaction of that instruction upon the disciples.
When therefore the Lord knew?
1. When therefore the Lord knew] The ‘therefore’ refers us back to John 3:26. Of the many who came to Christ some told the Pharisees of His doings, just as others told John.
Is Acts 8 better explained from John 4than the reverse process?
In our opinion, Acts 8is better explained from John 4than the reverse process. Baur's supposition, that the author sought to contrast the cautious hesitation of the Jewish doctor with the susceptible emotional disposition of the Samaritan woman as the representative of the Gentile world, is unreasonable.
What does John mean by Jesus is tired?
Jesus Is Tired (4:5) John observes that Jesus is "tired from the journey" (4:5). Though John is very clear that Jesus is the Son of God, even "God the One and Only" who is at the Father's side (1:18), yet in his physical body, Jesus becomes tired like everyone else.
Who did John the Baptist encounter?
John has a way of teaching us who Jesus is and what faith looks like, by giving us a glimpse into Jesus' encounters with various people -- John the Baptist, Nicodemus, and surprisingly, a Samaritan woman who is shunned by her own townspeople for her immoral behavior.
What does Jesus mean by "living water"?
Jesus mentions "living water." This phrase normally referred to flowing water from a river or stream, as opposed to standing water from a pond or well. But Jesus uses the word ambiguously (as is common in John's Gospel), giving the word a deeper meaning, water that imparts life, and, as we see in verse 14, a gift that imparts eternal life.
What draws the woman's attention to Jesus' reply?
Jesus' reply draws the woman's attention to two things: (1) his gift, and (2) his person.
How deep is Jacob's well?
Jacob's well still exists there, fed by springs and dug out to a depth of more than 100 feet. Though the Bible doesn't tell of its initial construction, it was doubtless dug on the land Jacob purchased from the leader of the nearby city of Shechem (Genesis 33:18-20). [160]
Is John a superman?
John is not portraying a superman, some kind of super-hero, but a fully human man in whom the Spirit and Presence of God dwell fully. This is the mystery of the incarnation, what theologians refer to as a "hypostatic union" of two natures in one person. [161] .
Why did Jesus see her?
Why? Because Jesus has “seen” her. He has seen her plight of dependence, not immorality. He has recognized her, spoken with her, offered her something of incomparable worth. He has seen her — he exists for him, has worth, value, significance, and all of this is treatment to which she is unaccustomed. And so when he speaks of her past both knowingly and compassionately, she realizes she is in the presence of a prophet.
What does Jesus say after she describes her past?
Immediately after Jesus describes her past, she says, “I see that you are a prophet” and asks him where one should worship. If you believe the worst of her, this is nothing more than a clumsy attempt to change the topic.