John 4:1-42 THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD As John the apostle continues to write what the Holy Spirit guided him to, he unfolds in an illustrative incident how far-reaching the influence and power of the Son of God reaches. Jews had thought the Messiah would be only for them. Their idea was that He was going to deal exclusively with their needs. In this portion of scripture, we learn that Christ is the Savior of the world. The event that revealed this truth began when Jesus deliberately left Judea. The sign of His deity relating to His Father's house had created hostility in the Jewish leadership. Now the great success of His ministry increased His popularity among the people of that area and no doubt created further antagonism among those same leaders. So the Lord avoided a controversy at that time by leaving Judea and only occasionally returning. There are times when we need to stay in a place in spite of all the opposition we may face. Other times we are best to leave as the Spirit guides us, to avoid unnecessary controversy over issues that are divisive.
There are a number of "musts" in the Gospel of John. "Ye must be born again:" the necessity of regeneration. "The Son of Man must be lifted up:" the necessity of atonement. "He must increase, I must decrease:" the necessity of holiness. "He must needs go through Samaria:" the necessity of soul winning. "Must worship in spirit and in truth:" the necessity of spiritual worship. "I must work the works of Him that sent Me:" the necessity of service. "Them also I must bring:" the necessity of missionary effort. "Must rise from the dead:" the necessity of resurrection power.
Geographically the straightest road to Galilee led through Samaria. Historically the self-righteous Jews would not associate in any way with the Samaritans who were not considered "pure" Jews because generations earlier the conquering king had brought people from other conquered lands to live there. They and the remaining Jews intermingled and became the despised Samaritans as far as other Jews were concerned. But the Lord Jesus did not follow the road of the self-righteous that went the long way to Galilee on the east side of the Jordan River. He did not come into the world only for the Jews. He is the Savior of the world. He did not allow prejudice and national pride to hinder Him and His work here. Furthermore, He knew there was a very needy woman in Sychar who was probably unhappy with her life. He also knew there were people in that area who would respond in faith to Hm.
It is of great interest to realize the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ led Him to limit His deity to the claims of humanity. and He was tired and hungry just like we get at times. Such grace opened Him up to empathize with human needs. The place of His choosing to reach to the Samaritans was where Jacob had bought a parcel of ground for one hundred pieces of money, and where Jacob had dug a well. In soul winning it is wise to choose a place and time that is most convenient to those we seek to reach with the Gospel. Human necessities often open the door to a conversation that people cannot ignore or avoid. To gain a person's attention by asking a favor they are easily able to provide is a good way to make a connection. That gives an opportunity to go further into significant subjects because the person you seek to reach knows you have a bit of an obligation to them so they are not so defensive. The Samaritan woman was surprised, not only to see the Lord Jesus there, but to be asked for a drink. Her casual attitude towards His opening remark reflected a common response to prejudice. Religious, racial or personal prejudice is something we have to deal with in soul winning. It is here to stay so we need to think of ways to avoid it and move ahead.
The comment about the "gift of God" changed the woman's attitude from casual to respectful. A spring is much different than a well. The water from a bubbling spring is also much different and usually better than well water. The woman's spiritual need was addressed right away but not challenging. The suggestion that she had a choice in the matter drew her into a thoughtful condition of confusion and curiosity. It also got her wondering what the Lord meant. Thirst, the fountain of life, springs of living water are all Old Testament statements regarding human need. Everyone has spiritual need of spiritual food and water for the soul. Those comments the Lord made aroused her interest. Every person has certain inner longings that in unbelievers lies just beyond their place of satisfaction. The challenges of life are always there, and many turn to temporary things to satisfy eternal needs, or to the world and the flesh to meet the needs of the soul. When we can help people see things from God's perspective, the need of a change is understood.
The mind of the woman was enlightened as to what the Lord meant because she was doubtless discontented, disillusioned and disappointed with her life. But in the case of every person, the same as in this woman's case, sin has to be faced - and she resisted facing it. Words of truth spoken with grace often bring conviction. Conviction in turn seems to make many take evasive action to avoid facing themselves. Soul winners need to be kind, but also seek to avoid being put off by evasive words and actions. We are being honest with people when we try to bring an admission of guilt so they can see themselves as God sees them.
The Samaritan woman tried to side-track the conversation by raising the theological differences between Jews and Samaritans. This also is a common practice today when people try to bring divisions between Christian beliefs as an excuse for their own actions or lack of faith in God. The Lord Jesus quickly made this woman understand that attitude, not location, is the issue in the worship of God. He was willing to discuss the matter she brought up but soon turned the whole conversation to that which is important - worship must be in spirit and in truth. Honesty brings reality. His statement, "I that speak unto thee am He," left no doubt as to who He is and why she should take the water of life. She was casual at first, then respectful, then there was recognition and affirmation.
Although the disciples were astonished at Jesus speaking to a strange woman alone, John the writer, made it plain that the disciples said nothing about that remarkable scene. The Lord knew what the disciples were thinking and used that as a teaching moment to press home what is really important. In a way, the Lord opened His heart to them pointing out the hunger of the soul is a deeper need that the physical hunger we experience. He had them look beyond what they could see to the reality of what cannot be seen. Usually no one person is involved in all that leads up to the conversion of a precious soul. The harvest is ripe and ready. The sower has done his work and now reapers need to be ready to bring in the harvest. Much of what is needed in bringing salvation to lost souls happens long before the person is actually saved.
A simple testimony is often enough to encourage others to seek the Lord. People cannot refute what has actually happened to another person. We do have to discern whether it is scripturally correct. To speak of
Christ as one's own personal Savior may be enough to create interest in others who will seek the Lord themselves. The Samaritan men came first to the Savior because of her invitation. When they came in contact with the Savior of the world, they knew He was who they really needed. His word was enough for them to believe on Him. From what He said, they believed on who He is. There was no doubt in the minds of those Samaritan men that salvation was based on the words of Jesus, not on the testimony of the woman. It is our responsibility and privilege to tell others what we know. The redemptive work that is needed is revealed to people through the word of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the One who gives life to the words we speak. Sometimes those we least expect to believe the message of salvation are the ones who put their trust in the Savior of the world. We need to avoid any evidence of prejudice and doubt, and in faith present people with the word of God and let the Spirit of God give light, understanding and life to those who hear the Gospel message.