Happy 6th Birthday to my grandson, Ryker, living in Sofia Bulgaria.

Contrasting Individuals 

 John 4:1-42 

“There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’ Therefore, the Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman,’” (verses 7-9). So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, ‘come see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?’ They went out of the city and were coming to Him,” (verses 28-30).  

In chapter 3, Jesus interacts with the great teacher of Israel, a pharisee named Nicodemus.  A man highly regarded in Israel. In this chapter, Jesus interacts with a Samaritan woman. Not only a Samaritan woman but an immoral sinner previously married five times and currently living with a man. This is a person despised by all Israel. A Jew would not even look at her much less carry on a conversation with her.  

In both of these inter-personal interactions, Jesus uses an object lesson to teach rich spiritual truths. In both cases, Jesus makes it known that life and heaven are available to all and the religious elite do not have an exclusive path to God.  Instead, “For God so loves the world (all people and all nations) …. that whoever believes will have eternal life.”  

There are some interesting similarities and differences between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman.  

• The text gives us the name of the Pharisee but not the woman.  
• Nicodemus was famous, proud and well known as the great teacher in Israel. The woman was a nobody. Unknown, guilt-ridden, downtrodden and despised. 
• Nicodemus told no one of his conversation with Jesus for he had a lot to lose. The woman told everyone and many from Samaria came out to see and speak with Jesus. Many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of her testimony. 4:39 says, “From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified…”  
• Who was really the great teacher; Nicodemus or the woman? The answer is obvious. 

• Jesus used an object lesson to teach both of them spiritual principles. Both completely misunderstood.  
• In both cases, Jesus ignored their initial superficial question and comments but instead addressed their real spiritual needs. 

John’ s theme is that Jesus is on a mission to reveal who He is; The Messiah (verse 26) and Savior of the world (verse 42). First to the Jews and then the Samaritans. But, He also “loves the world” and His saving power will be extended to all nations.  

Lord, we are humble clay pots. We are not proud, noble and righteous. You have chosen to pour Your Spirit into humble and meek vessels, who on the outside are weak and frail. But on the inside, because of You, we carry the power, glory and grace of the Almighty and Sovereign God of the Universe. Help us to maintain our humility, but with great confidence reveal Your grace and glory in our lives. Amen!