The story of the woman at the well – कुएं पर खड़ी महिला की कहानी
The story of the Woman at the Well is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 4, verses 1-42. This event takes place in the region of Samaria, specifically in the town of Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Here, Jacob’s well was located, and it became the central point of this significant encounter.
Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee and chose to pass through Samaria. This was notable because Jews typically avoided Samaria due to long-standing enmity with the Samaritans. Tired from the journey, Jesus sat down by Jacob’s well around noon, while his disciples went into town to buy food.
A Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus initiated the conversation by asking her for a drink, breaking several social norms: men did not typically speak to women in public, and Jews did not associate with Samaritans. “Will you give me a drink?” Jesus asked. The woman was surprised and responded, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” Confused, the woman noted that Jesus had no means to draw water and questioned where he could get this “living water.” She also mentioned their ancestor Jacob, who had provided the well.
Jesus explained that the water from the well would only quench thirst temporarily, but the water he gives would become a “spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman, intrigued by the offer of water that would prevent her from ever thirsting again, asked Jesus for this water.
Jesus then told her to call her husband and come back. The woman admitted she had no husband. Jesus revealed his knowledge of her personal life, stating she had had five husbands and the man she was with now was not her husband. The woman recognized Jesus as a prophet and brought up the subject of worship, noting the differences between Jewish and Samaritan worship practices.
Jesus explained that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, emphasizing that the location of worship is less important than the manner and sincerity of worship. The woman mentioned the coming of the Messiah, called Christ, and Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
At this point, Jesus’ disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman, but they did not question him. Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and told the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” Many Samaritans from the town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony. They came to see Jesus and urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. Because of his words, many more became believers.
The Samaritans said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” This story highlights Jesus’ mission to break social, cultural, and religious barriers. His interaction with the Samaritan woman demonstrates his compassion and desire to reach out to all people, regardless of their background.
The story of the Woman at the Well is a powerful account of revelation, transformation, and the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry. It emphasizes the importance of true worship and the living water that Jesus offers to all who believe in him.
The story of the woman at the well – कुएं पर खड़ी महिला की कहानी
