Story of the samaritan woman – सामरी महिला की कहानी
The story of the Samaritan Woman, also known as the Woman at the Well, is found in the Gospel of John (John 4:1-42). It is a profound narrative that highlights themes of grace, redemption, and the breaking down of social barriers.
Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee and decided to pass through Samaria, a region that Jews often avoided due to longstanding hostility between Jews and Samaritans. Tired from his journey, Jesus stopped at Jacob’s well, located near the town of Sychar, around noon.
While Jesus was resting, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. It was unusual for someone to draw water at that time of day, as it was the hottest part of the day, indicating that the woman might have been avoiding others. Jesus initiated a conversation by asking her for a drink of water, which surprised the woman because Jews typically did not associate with Samaritans, and men usually did not engage in public conversation with women, especially one with a questionable reputation.
The woman expressed her surprise at Jesus’ request, and in response, Jesus offered her “living water,” saying that whoever drinks the water He gives will never thirst again. Confused, the woman questioned how Jesus could offer such water, as He had no bucket and the well was deep. Jesus explained that the living water He was referring to was spiritual, leading to eternal life.
Curious and intrigued, the woman asked Jesus to give her this living water so that she would never thirst again and wouldn’t have to return to the well. This response opened the door for Jesus to gently confront her life situation.
Jesus told the woman to call her husband, to which she replied that she had no husband. Jesus revealed that He knew the details of her life—she had had five husbands, and the man she was currently with was not her husband. Astonished by His knowledge, the woman realized that Jesus was a prophet. She then shifted the conversation to the proper place of worship, a contentious issue between Jews and Samaritans.
Jesus responded by telling her that the time was coming when true worshipers would worship the Father in spirit and truth, regardless of location. The woman then mentioned the coming Messiah, and Jesus made a profound revelation: “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
At that moment, the disciples returned, surprised to find Jesus speaking with a Samaritan woman. The woman, leaving her water jar behind, hurried back to her town, telling everyone about her encounter with a man who knew everything about her. She wondered aloud if He could be the Messiah.
Her testimony had a powerful impact. Many Samaritans from the town came to see Jesus for themselves. After spending time with Him, they believed that He truly was the Savior of the world, not just because of the woman’s words but because they had heard Him themselves.
Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman defied social, racial, and gender norms of the time, demonstrating that His message of salvation was for all people, regardless of their background or past. The story highlights Jesus’ grace and compassion toward those society might marginalize or look down upon. Despite the woman’s troubled past, Jesus offered her the gift of eternal life. The woman became one of the first evangelists in the New Testament, boldly sharing her experience with her community and leading others to Christ.
The story of the Samaritan Woman at the Well is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus, who offers living water—eternal life and a restored relationship with God—to all who seek Him.
Story of the samaritan woman – सामरी महिला की कहानी
