Is there life after death ? That's what i intend to preach about on this text. I'm not speaking about spiritual life after physical death but the kind of knocks one gets in life that leave people feeling bereft and desperately shattered. I think the Samaritan Woman shows us that through Jesus people can once again find life, happiness and fulfilment.
Rev. RR London
Jesus, "tired out from his journey", finds rest and belief in the woman and stays for two days with her people. It seems as if the Samaritans were less "work" for Jesus at a point when he needed some time away from the big crowds etc.... The disciples, despite everything they have been told and taught, are still puzzled by Jesus' words (eg vs 31-33). The woman is more spiritually astute and seems more willing to accept what Jesus has told her.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I think it connects with Old Annie's comment on the Discussion page regarding women's spirituality. The Samaritan woman encountered Jesus at a heart level as well as an intellectual one. The disciples stayed in their heads and just didn't "get it".
Just a few early thoughts,
SueCan
I have food to eat that you do not know about! what is that? Manzel
Is Jesus talking about something with actually strengthens the physical body? If Jesus is proclaiming that something spiritual can replace our physical need for food, that is pretty powerful. Is Jesus saying this? Manzel
other food and harvesting what someone else planted seems to all fit rather neatly. all except for verse 22 which seems to break the rythm. It is a radical statement that the temple and various religious institutions are obsolete. Manzel
Jews and Samaritans both awaited the Messiah, but they differed on the sacred "place" of worship. Jesus statement that place was not the important thing would have offended most people in both camps.
It is like saying the thing we are fighting this war over is really unimportant. Manzel
well supply... ...that is my title and what Jesus is saying... "...I am the well, the ever-flowing stream, the supply of what will quench your thirst." Oh yes, what is the thirst? we must, like the Samaritan woman, decide if it is just water or God's eternal supply that we should really need.
I would like to add that Clarence Jordan, of the Cottonpatch Bible fame, tells us that at the wedding at Cana, Jesus has the servants to take a taste for the steward. He tells them to draw some for the steward. The Greek word is more forceful, "bucket up" some to take to the steward. You don't use a bucket to "draw" from a jar, but from the well! Jesus is the source, the well, not just a limited supply of the six jars! Jesus is the supply!
well supply...
...revdoug in Erie
I have reflected on this text for many years and it appears to me that the heart of it is the call to worship in spirit and in truth.
We can only really worship when we accept the living water, the thing that truly refreshes our soul:
God's knowledge of the very truth of our sinfulness, completely revealed, but without judgement.
Only then is it possible to accept forgiveness and recieve the new life that it brings.
SS in PA
I have reflected on this text for many years and it appears to me that the heart of it is the call to worship in spirit and in truth.
We can only really worship when we accept the living water, the thing that truly refreshes our soul:
God's knowledge of the very truth of our sinfulness, completely revealed, but without judgement.
Only then is it possible to accept forgiveness and recieve the new life that it brings.
SS in PA
Rev RR London, I like your idea. If anyone had experienced the hard knocks of life it was the Samaritan woman! She not only had been mistreated and made some major wrong choices in life, but she also had the unforunate honor of being born a woman in that particulat time period. Thus, she was the one the text blames for her life, not the men who had taken advantage of her. Jesus, saw her beautiful potential and her life was changed. Jesus sees our potential, too! Just imagine what we might do if we, too, drink from the Living Well!
Just some early thoughts, but I think you've got a good angle here!
Mel in NE
Manzel,
"I have food to eat that you don't know about." Sometimes, when getting ready to lead worship, food is the last thing on my mind. Even to think of eating would distract from the purpose at hand. Maybe that's what he meant? I don't know, but it is possible.
Another possibility. Jesus knew that the woman would be bringing back others from the city. Maybe he was deferring acceptance of the food the disciples offered, in order to be ready to accept the hospitality to be offered by the people of the village, not having to say, "No thanks, I've already eaten."
Or, should we go really off the wall and imagine that he snagged a few locusts before the woman had arrived!
Just a few thoughts, earlier than usual this time.
Michelle
I have a question. Does this woman get a bad rap? Who says she is some sort of harlot? If these husbands died, then she would have been required by law to marry the brothers. Hey, it could happen. I had a church member who wore out three husbands. After the first two died, she wanted to make sure the third one would live. She sent him for a physical before they were married and by golly in a year he was dead. Anyway, what I would like to know is if she was shacked up with this last guy, or if he really was her husband and he was fooling around on her - not really being her husband. PH in OH
Hi, Thanks to all who contributed last week, it was a good start for me.
Question? Why do you think it is of importance to this passage to mention the city and that the plot of ground was given by Jacob to his son? "So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph." Nancy
Hi, Thanks to all who contributed last week, it was a good start for me.
Question? Why do you think it is of importance to this passage to mention the city and that the plot of ground was given by Jacob to his son? "So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph." Nancy
Ever wonder why Jesus sent 12 men to go buy 13 loves of bread. Talking to this woman would have been impossible with them around. We often read too much into this woman's character. The town's people were willing to follow her out to see Jesus. They must have had respect for her word. I hardly believe they would have followed a tramp out there.
Harold in Alabama
I agree with Ph in Oh and Harold. We pass judgement on the woman that does not appear in the text. All that we know about her is she had 5 husbands (we aren't given the reason) and she is a Samaritan.
Maybe the fact that we assume she was a woman of great moral faults says more about us that it says about her.
Pr.del in Ia
"I have food to eat that you don't know about."
The Body of Christ .. the Bread of Heaven???? As "luck" would have it, this is the Sunday we're launching into offering communion bread at Eucharist rather than the "styrofoam wafers" we're used to.
I LOVE being a lectionary preacher!!
susan in sanpedro
PS - Anyone got a good communion bread recipe? :)
On the "Journey to the Cross" (a series I am working now), this text works well as the focus is on leaving things behind. The woman leaves behind (v. 28) the very thing that she went to fill...the water jar. However, as she has now encountered Jesus and has tasted the living water, it begins to well up inside her and she does indeed leave behind the unimportant to share the important news of Christ the messiah. A Samaritan and a woman was NOT left behind by our Lord. A popular political theme for today is heard in the news, "No child will be left behind!" referring to education. Well, here the theme is echoed in Christ's unwillingness to leave anyone without hope. So from Lent 1, “Overcoming Obstacles (temptation) on the Journey”; to Lent 2 Getting Guidance for the Journey (Nicodemus); to Lent 3 “Leaving Useless things Behind” (woman at well); to Lent 4 “Keeping our Eyes Open” (man born blind); to Lent 5 “Catching a Second Wind” (Lazarus); to Palm Sunday “Staying the Course”. -- Army Chaplain E, Middle East
I have heard about the cotton patch gospel, is it a real book or a collection of rewrites? Nancy-Wi
I think my title this week is "A Living Water Jar". The Samaritan woman left her own water jar, and became a jar of living water to take to her community. Her words sent the others to Jesus! Her moral status is just one more possible reason for her unacceptability as a vessel for living water. She was, after all, a Samaritan and a woman, plenty of reason for Jesus not to choose her for his messenger. When we carry living water (when we are filled with the Spirit's power?),our authority comes from God, and our former status doesn't matter to the hearers. Or does it? Max in NC
If it will be of any help to anyone, my sermon from three years ago "Called to be Wells" is posted on the web:
http://www.stfrancis-ks.org/subpages/asermons/lentthre.htm
Blessings, Eric in KS
Nancy asked about the mentioning of the setting of this encounter in the city of Sychar.
It could be because of the importance of Sychar to the Samaritans. "Sychar" is the Greek equivalent of "Shechem", which is the Hebrew name of the mount on which the Samaritan temple was built. The question of where to worship was one of the deepest divides between Samaritans and Jews. The Samaritans accepted the Tetrateuch (first four books of our Bible) but not the Book of Deuteronomy -- the one which includes the restriction of temple worship to Jerusalem. One of John's on-going messages is that Jesus overcomes all divisions. Perhaps by setting this story literally on the doorstep of the Samaritan temple he is demonstrating Jesus overcoming the deepest divide between Samaritan and Jew.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Two weeks ago Jesus tells satan Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. I am also thinking of the verse where Jesus says, "My food and my drink is to do the will of my heavenly Father." This is the food Jesus speaks of here. The food we know not of.
Harold in Alabama
I'm not gonna preach the Gospel text this week; I have a sermon entitled, "Can We Gather at the River?" that I use for my introductory sermon - and it's based on this text. Since I preached it just a few months ago, I don't think it would be prudent to re-preach it :o).
"Do What You Have the Power to Do" by Helen Bruch Pearson is a devotional guide/Bible study, but has a good commentary in it. Explores just how radical it was for Jesus to communicate with this woman.
Also, well water is still water - living water is running water, such as a brook, river, whatever. Still water will run dry, living water is replenished. One doesn't want "stuff" in well water, living water has fish swimming. No one wants to fall down a well, but people willingly jump into rivers and oceans. Well water needs a dipper, by living water, one can kneel down and cup ones hands and drink.
My contention: by breaking the law, risking not only speaking to, but touching an untouchable (for him to ask a drink! - they weren't supposed to touch anything they touched, much less DRINK after someone - Pearson's book explores just WHY, including misinformation about Samaritan women) brings forth living water, where we can gather and drink from together.
Thing is, you can't contain living water (remember yesterday - the wind blows where it will) - and as soon as you try to put it in a bucket to take it home or save some for later, it's become still water; it no longer lives.
For those of us who celebrate Holy Communion on first Sundays, the communal image might have some impact.
Gosh, considering I'm not going there this week, I sure said a lot. Anyone care to join me over by the Epistle lesson?
Sally in GA
Eric - I didn't know old insurance defense lawyers were so organized (I can say that having practiced for 12 years).
What I see initially is an evangelistic bent with JC giving us the paradigmatic approach. He lets the person know she is not an outcast to him; he develops a relationship and makes himself her equal (knocks down the social/political/religious/gender/ethnic barriers in one fell swoop) by asking her for something (some water). He then takes the opportunity in their conversation to mention the possibility of "living water" (hey, they're talking about water already). On knowing her 5 husbands, is this the clairvoyant Christ, or did Jesus spend enough time with her to hear all her troubles - and accept her anyway and give her hope? Surely this isn't the whole conversation is it? Anyway, I can almost hear this woman saying, "here is a man who knows everything I have ever done" - and yet he says I too am a child of God and can be made new. I'm not trying to put words in her or Jesus' mouth, but I wonder.
Interestingly, she leaves the bucket behind and runs to town. As a result of her witness, many come to CHrist - by his words it seems, rather than any signs (at least we're not told of any). The fields of the neglected, despised and outcast seem ripe for harvesting.
There are some things more satisfying than eating food, says Jesus. Sharing God's love fills you in ways you can't even imagine.
Just starting and rambling.
RevKinOK
susan in sanpedro:
I no longer have the various recipes, but I was chair of the bread committee in seminary. Theological significance includes bread that has milk and honey baked into it.
Easiest is to use any recipe for Irish soda bread - I prefer using whole wheat flour rather than white. That's the base - add powdered milk (or a MINIMAL amount of whatever kind of milk is in your refrigerator) and some honey. Make it darker (and sweeter) by substituting molasses for honey. Bake it in pie pans, cut a cross on the top (makes a nice symbol, and helps the person who breaks it). As you stir, the consistency should be too soft to knead but not like batter, either. Add flour or moist ingredients to adjust the consistency. Bake at 350 for about 45 min (check your recipe). One 8" loaf will serve a rather large congregation - 200, I'd guess, according to how much you pinch off.
Sally in GA Ps. 90:17, "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands - O prosper the work of our hands!" - it's a neat feeling for me to be the agent of consecration of a hand-made (rather than store-bought) loaf.
Last week's Gospel lesson had Jesus talking to a pillar of religious society about new birth. Today Jesus talks to a wanton woman of Samaria about the same thing. I want to play around with the images that bind them together and make them different. The message of Jesus sounds the same to me. -- Fred in NC
Thanks to RevKinOk for the insight on things that satisfy. Several weeks ago, when I was planning my sermons for Lent, I chose the title "Satisfied?" for this week's message. Isn't it interesting the things people will use to satisfy their emotional and spiritual selves? Doesn't Jesus offer the woman a completely satisfying drink of eternal living water. Or for Manzel, a food that satisfies beyond understanding.
Anyone have any help to offer in the area?
Steve in NC
Fred in NC has referred to the Samaritan woman as "wanton." That seems to be an unwarranted description.
Let's be clear about something. This woman is not, despite what we may have been taught in Sunday school or other church settings, a sinful person. Jesus does not condemn her or even suggest, by saying that she has had five husbands, that she is a sinner! She may have had a culturally legitimate reason for her multiple marriages. She may have been the subject of one or more Levirate marriages in which a woman is taken as the wife of her husband's brother if her husband dies and they have had no children. Remember the question which some Sadducees once put to Jesus about the woman who had seven husbands? Perhaps the woman at the well had had a similar hard life. That's all Jesus says to her, that she has had a hard life.
To call her "wanton" seems to go beyond the text.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Eric thanks. Nancy
Eric thanks. Nancy
susan in sanpedro:
The best bread is the bread baked by someone else that they bring and set up. :-}!
The recipe sounds good, but save your self and pass it on to a parishioner who likes to bake. Nancy-Wi
Steve,
I find it interesting that most of our economy is based upon attempts to "satisfy". Yet, capital investment banks on the premise that we as a market are never satisfied. That's what fuels growth in our market economy.
Investors, Jesus, and the Rolling Stones know the insatibilty of humanity.
"I can't no satisfaction, but I try and I try and I try."
Pr.del in Ia
I've been talking about journeys - Lenten journeys that take us to a new place at Easter. Since I will be leaving the church on March 17 for a family leave of absence, it is an ironic series. (No, I'm not pregnant! Has to do with being a member of the sandwich generation.)
As I remember, Jesus did not HAVE to go through Samaria to get where he was going from where he had been. He chose this journey (as he chose the journey toward Jerusalem and the cross). Somewhere in one of the Gospels is the phrase "He set his face toward Jerusalem."
What does it say to us that Jesus went out of his way to go to a hostile country to meet with a woman of ill repute? What does that say for our journey toward renewal on Easter Sunday? Does it mean we are to go out of our way to encounter the lowly, the poor, the disenfranchised? What does it say for the mission that Abraham began for us so long ago?
Just thoughts while I desperately search for my Barclay commentary . . .
RevJan
Jan
I looked at some maps and it appears that Jacob's well is the most direct route to Jerusalem. It seems as if I remember from seminary that the Jewish people would travel the long way around the area of the Samaritans just to avoid them, but Jesus travels through.
Also the text doesn't seem to indicate that the woman is of "ill repute". That's perhaps an invalid assumption we make (see comments from others above).
http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/lifejesus.html
Susan You might try different kinds of bread, Sometimes I get the Hawaiian round loaf of bread, Sometimes Pumpernickle, Sometimes I look in the biscut shelf and there is a french bread loaf you bake, If you are going to do communion by intention try Pita bread with that you don't have many crumbsin the juice. This time of the year I like to use the Jewish Matza cracker like they use for passover. On the Matxa bread you can see the stripes the bruises and the holes representing his wounds. At the passover meal there are three crackers wraped in a linnen cloth the middel one is removed broken and symbolically buried and ressurrected for communion. Sometimes I do communion dressed as a disciple. I get one of the french loafs and cut two pieces and kneed them to look like a man or cross. I place it on a small wodden cross and when I get to the breaking of the bread I take it off the cross and when I say this is my body broken for you they really get the meaning. Hope tihs helps
Harold in Alabama
To me this is a story about someone who believes in Jesus. To believe is the great theme in Johon's Gospel. Look up "believe" in a concordance and see how many itmes it is used in the synoptics and then in John - wow. In 20:31 John says his whole testimony is offered so we will BELIEVE. So, this woman believed. Why? I think it was because Jesus knew her. The background we are given about her is not for our benefit or to figure her out; it just shows that Jesus knew all about her, really knew her. Anyway, I am leaning toward a message about how Christ knows each of us - me and you, intimately. Christ knows what we need, who we really are, and what God wants of us. There is nothing sweeter than to be known and loved; it is what we long for and yearn for. It gives us hope and peace and makes us capable of loving in return. It is what Christ does for us. Anyway, those are my early thoughts. Jim in CT.
Although the text does not call her a "wanton" woman, she does get a bad rap, and thus comes to the well, not early in the morning, as was customary, but later on in the day, when she doesn't have to put up with the sniping of other women. The fact that she had had five husbands, and now is not married but just living with a man, reflects badly on her - and yet she is merely a victim. In that culture, women cannot divorce - only men can, and for almost any reason. That is why the Mosaic law had strictures about giving a writ of divorce, so that a husband couldn't simply throw his wife out and take a new one, as they did in surrounding cultures. This woman had been cast out five times, and now didn't even have the benefit of marriage to protect her (remember that women usually did not have property, so were dependent upon their husbands).
I love this story, because she is the only one in scripture that gets "one up" on Jesus. So much of what she says is "tongue in cheek." She comes to the well at an odd time of day, and finds a Jewish rabbi there. Samaritans and Jews don't get along, so she is suprised when Jesus talks to her (rabbis didn't generally talk to women anyway - least of all a Samaritan). When Jesus asks for a drink, she needles him, "Oh, do you really think you ought to be talking to me, a lowly Samaritan?!"
When Jesus tells her that he has water for her, she isn't taken aback at all, but pushes even further, "Oh, you have water, do you - now tell me - how did you get that water?" The sarcasm is thick and, for her, who is usually on the bottom end of these kinds of conversations, it is sweet. Incidentally, "living water" is water capabable of sustaining life, in other words, flowing water. If you ever saw the water in these wells, you would probably not drink it - it's stagnant.
Her third comment - that she certainly would like some of that water, so that she would not have to draw from this well, begins to get to the point. The well is the "watering hole" for the community - not just a place to draw water, but a place to exchange gossip. An outcast would have a very difficult time; I'm sure it was difficult for her to come, day after day, hearing the talk behind her back. So this comment is a natural lead for Jesus now to turn things around. And Jesus reveals to her that he knows very well her situation.
Now that she knows that he is a prophet, the sarcasm stops, and she gets serious with him; and he, in turn, opens up a door to her - a door to the Father.
To me, this is a wonderful Baptism text, really looking into the very heart of Baptism: receiving the Living Water, finding ourselves loved by the Father, receiving an open invitation to drink at the well of salvation. It's certainly one of my favorites!
A few early musings!
Gary in New Bern, NC http://www.standy.org
Although the text does not call her a "wanton" woman, she does get a bad rap, and thus comes to the well, not early in the morning, as was customary, but later on in the day, when she doesn't have to put up with the sniping of other women. The fact that she had had five husbands, and now is not married but just living with a man, reflects badly on her - and yet she is merely a victim. In that culture, women cannot divorce - only men can, and for almost any reason. That is why the Mosaic law had strictures about giving a writ of divorce, so that a husband couldn't simply throw his wife out and take a new one, as they did in surrounding cultures. This woman had been cast out five times, and now didn't even have the benefit of marriage to protect her (remember that women usually did not have property, so were dependent upon their husbands).
I love this story, because she is the only one in scripture that gets "one up" on Jesus. So much of what she says is "tongue in cheek." She comes to the well at an odd time of day, and finds a Jewish rabbi there. Samaritans and Jews don't get along, so she is suprised when Jesus talks to her (rabbis didn't generally talk to women anyway - least of all a Samaritan). When Jesus asks for a drink, she needles him, "Oh, do you really think you ought to be talking to me, a lowly Samaritan?!"
When Jesus tells her that he has water for her, she isn't taken aback at all, but pushes even further, "Oh, you have water, do you - now tell me - how did you get that water?" The sarcasm is thick and, for her, who is usually on the bottom end of these kinds of conversations, it is sweet. Incidentally, "living water" is water capabable of sustaining life, in other words, flowing water. If you ever saw the water in these wells, you would probably not drink it - it's stagnant.
Her third comment - that she certainly would like some of that water, so that she would not have to draw from this well, begins to get to the point. The well is the "watering hole" for the community - not just a place to draw water, but a place to exchange gossip. An outcast would have a very difficult time; I'm sure it was difficult for her to come, day after day, hearing the talk behind her back. So this comment is a natural lead for Jesus now to turn things around. And Jesus reveals to her that he knows very well her situation.
Now that she knows that he is a prophet, the sarcasm stops, and she gets serious with him; and he, in turn, opens up a door to her - a door to the Father.
To me, this is a wonderful Baptism text, really looking into the very heart of Baptism: receiving the Living Water, finding ourselves loved by the Father, receiving an open invitation to drink at the well of salvation. It's certainly one of my favorites!
A few early musings!
Gary in New Bern, NC http://www.standy.org
Although the text does not call her a "wanton" woman, she does get a bad rap, and thus comes to the well, not early in the morning, as was customary, but later on in the day, when she doesn't have to put up with the sniping of other women. The fact that she had had five husbands, and now is not married but just living with a man, reflects badly on her - and yet she is merely a victim. In that culture, women cannot divorce - only men can, and for almost any reason. That is why the Mosaic law had strictures about giving a writ of divorce, so that a husband couldn't simply throw his wife out and take a new one, as they did in surrounding cultures. This woman had been cast out five times, and now didn't even have the benefit of marriage to protect her (remember that women usually did not have property, so were dependent upon their husbands).
I love this story, because she is the only one in scripture that gets "one up" on Jesus. So much of what she says is "tongue in cheek." She comes to the well at an odd time of day, and finds a Jewish rabbi there. Samaritans and Jews don't get along, so she is suprised when Jesus talks to her (rabbis didn't generally talk to women anyway - least of all a Samaritan). When Jesus asks for a drink, she needles him, "Oh, do you really think you ought to be talking to me, a lowly Samaritan?!"
When Jesus tells her that he has water for her, she isn't taken aback at all, but pushes even further, "Oh, you have water, do you - now tell me - how did you get that water?" The sarcasm is thick and, for her, who is usually on the bottom end of these kinds of conversations, it is sweet. Incidentally, "living water" is water capabable of sustaining life, in other words, flowing water. If you ever saw the water in these wells, you would probably not drink it - it's stagnant.
Her third comment - that she certainly would like some of that water, so that she would not have to draw from this well, begins to get to the point. The well is the "watering hole" for the community - not just a place to draw water, but a place to exchange gossip. An outcast would have a very difficult time; I'm sure it was difficult for her to come, day after day, hearing the talk behind her back. So this comment is a natural lead for Jesus now to turn things around. And Jesus reveals to her that he knows very well her situation.
Now that she knows that he is a prophet, the sarcasm stops, and she gets serious with him; and he, in turn, opens up a door to her - a door to the Father.
To me, this is a wonderful Baptism text, really looking into the very heart of Baptism: receiving the Living Water, finding ourselves loved by the Father, receiving an open invitation to drink at the well of salvation. It's certainly one of my favorites!
A few early musings!
Gary in New Bern, NC http://www.standy.org
Although the text does not call her a "wanton" woman, she does get a bad rap, and thus comes to the well, not early in the morning, as was customary, but later on in the day, when she doesn't have to put up with the sniping of other women. The fact that she had had five husbands, and now is not married but just living with a man, reflects badly on her - and yet she is merely a victim. In that culture, women cannot divorce - only men can, and for almost any reason. That is why the Mosaic law had strictures about giving a writ of divorce, so that a husband couldn't simply throw his wife out and take a new one, as they did in surrounding cultures. This woman had been cast out five times, and now didn't even have the benefit of marriage to protect her (remember that women usually did not have property, so were dependent upon their husbands).
I love this story, because she is the only one in scripture that gets "one up" on Jesus. So much of what she says is "tongue in cheek." She comes to the well at an odd time of day, and finds a Jewish rabbi there. Samaritans and Jews don't get along, so she is suprised when Jesus talks to her (rabbis didn't generally talk to women anyway - least of all a Samaritan). When Jesus asks for a drink, she needles him, "Oh, do you really think you ought to be talking to me, a lowly Samaritan?!"
When Jesus tells her that he has water for her, she isn't taken aback at all, but pushes even further, "Oh, you have water, do you - now tell me - how did you get that water?" The sarcasm is thick and, for her, who is usually on the bottom end of these kinds of conversations, it is sweet. Incidentally, "living water" is water capabable of sustaining life, in other words, flowing water. If you ever saw the water in these wells, you would probably not drink it - it's stagnant.
Her third comment - that she certainly would like some of that water, so that she would not have to draw from this well, begins to get to the point. The well is the "watering hole" for the community - not just a place to draw water, but a place to exchange gossip. An outcast would have a very difficult time; I'm sure it was difficult for her to come, day after day, hearing the talk behind her back. So this comment is a natural lead for Jesus now to turn things around. And Jesus reveals to her that he knows very well her situation.
Now that she knows that he is a prophet, the sarcasm stops, and she gets serious with him; and he, in turn, opens up a door to her - a door to the Father.
To me, this is a wonderful Baptism text, really looking into the very heart of Baptism: receiving the Living Water, finding ourselves loved by the Father, receiving an open invitation to drink at the well of salvation. It's certainly one of my favorites!
A few early musings!
Gary in New Bern, NC http://www.standy.org
Although the text does not call her a "wanton" woman, she does get a bad rap, and thus comes to the well, not early in the morning, as was customary, but later on in the day, when she doesn't have to put up with the sniping of other women. The fact that she had had five husbands, and now is not married but just living with a man, reflects badly on her - and yet she is merely a victim. In that culture, women cannot divorce - only men can, and for almost any reason. That is why the Mosaic law had strictures about giving a writ of divorce, so that a husband couldn't simply throw his wife out and take a new one, as they did in surrounding cultures. This woman had been cast out five times, and now didn't even have the benefit of marriage to protect her (remember that women usually did not have property, so were dependent upon their husbands).
I love this story, because she is the only one in scripture that gets "one up" on Jesus. So much of what she says is "tongue in cheek." She comes to the well at an odd time of day, and finds a Jewish rabbi there. Samaritans and Jews don't get along, so she is suprised when Jesus talks to her (rabbis didn't generally talk to women anyway - least of all a Samaritan). When Jesus asks for a drink, she needles him, "Oh, do you really think you ought to be talking to me, a lowly Samaritan?!"
When Jesus tells her that he has water for her, she isn't taken aback at all, but pushes even further, "Oh, you have water, do you - now tell me - how did you get that water?" The sarcasm is thick and, for her, who is usually on the bottom end of these kinds of conversations, it is sweet. Incidentally, "living water" is water capabable of sustaining life, in other words, flowing water. If you ever saw the water in these wells, you would probably not drink it - it's stagnant.
Her third comment - that she certainly would like some of that water, so that she would not have to draw from this well, begins to get to the point. The well is the "watering hole" for the community - not just a place to draw water, but a place to exchange gossip. An outcast would have a very difficult time; I'm sure it was difficult for her to come, day after day, hearing the talk behind her back. So this comment is a natural lead for Jesus now to turn things around. And Jesus reveals to her that he knows very well her situation.
Now that she knows that he is a prophet, the sarcasm stops, and she gets serious with him; and he, in turn, opens up a door to her - a door to the Father.
To me, this is a wonderful Baptism text, really looking into the very heart of Baptism: receiving the Living Water, finding ourselves loved by the Father, receiving an open invitation to drink at the well of salvation. It's certainly one of my favorites!
A few early musings!
Gary in New Bern, NC http://www.standy.org
Sorry for the repetition - I couldn't get the browser to submit.
Gary in New Bern
Nancy, I was going to ask the same question about why the place is named (thanx Eric for an answer), but I wanted ask the other question . . . why is the land named but not the woman?
The question I've asked folks in my local church lectionary group is to come up with a name for her . . . what would it be?
Do you think this story is at all connected to the fact that Jesus was doing some baptizing in John 4:1? I do, but am not sure how to connect it in a sermon.
Randy in Sunnyside
I don't know about you, but I need a more exact recipe, as my baking skills come more out of a box than from experience. Here is one I have received:
2 c whole wheat flour 1 c white flour 1 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbls plus 1 tsp oil
3/4 c plus 2 Tbls very hot water 3 T honey 3 T molasses
Sift the four dry ingredients together three times. Cut in the oil. In seperate container, combine water, honey, and molasses. Add to dry ingredients. Mix well. Dough will be a bit sticky.
Divide dough into four equal parts. Roll each into a 1/4" circle. Mark into eight parts (like a pizza).
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with oil. Bake an additional 5-8 minutes. Cool.
This is the recipe as I received it. However, some mark the bread with a cross instead, and that works well, too. It does pinch off easily, and it freezes quite well. (We never use more than 1 1/2 loaves during worship here). It also breaks nicely during the words of institution, if you wish to use it that way.
Michelle
Sorry my ingredients all came out in one line, I did submit them in columns!
Michelle
I am with Gary -- this one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible! I guess I somehow relate to this woman. As he said, it doesn't say she's "wanton" but she is there at noon apparently as an outcast from the other woman who come early, and she is at the hot spot for singles! How many people in the Bible meet their spouses at the well? When she says she doesn't have a husband, she is maybe hoping that Jesus is potential...
I also like how she intellectualizes things when he gets in close. Would any of us ever do that?
A couple of other comments:
1. Notice how the Samaritans do listen to her and come to know Jesus. Today, so many people won't listen to a female preacher. I wonder what blessings they are missing out on.
2. At our church we usually buy round Italian bread or Hawaiian bread. Once, when I was still doing the buying, I accidentally bought garlic bread, and didn't notice it until the last minute. I told them that God sometimes suprises us. My daughter who has only recently begun to taste communion at other churches can not believe that some churches would serve "stryofoam" for Christ's body. It is so offensive for her.
3. Manzel, there is a Lyle Lovett song on the radio around here about a preacher who keeps on preaching, and finally one man gets in the choir and they jump in and begin to "praise the Lord" for food, and finally the preacher quits. they sing thanks to God that preachers sometimes "get hungry too" ( I know I butchered that, but oh well.)
blessings to all of you,
rachel
To Randy in Sunnyside - just a cautionary note. Nowhere in scripture do we find Jesus baptizing anyone (with water any way). The reference in John 3:22 was to Jesus' disciples baptizing. In John 4:1 the text states "although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized." John did the water baptism thing. Jesus did the Holy Spirit baptism thing. Pastor John in CT
There is a great deal of symbolism used by John in this passage that needs some unpacking-
(1) It is four months to the harvest- the Jewish month of Shebat... the readings in the Temple would have been Genesis 24 (Rebecca at the well), Exodus 2 (Moses with the women at Midian), Ezekiel 16 (woman with many lovers) and Deuteronomy 27 (Moses at Mt. Gerezim).
(2) Think of the foreshadowing of the crucifixion- Jesus saying "I thirst" in verse 7 and Jesus meets the woman at noon when the crucifixion was to happen.
(3) The woman had five husbands- five books of the Law? Or possibly the five gods that the Samaritans brought with them from Babalon after the exile?
(4) 'The one you have now is not your husband'- the Jewish god or yet another false god?
(5) Sychar is also known as Shekem where, in Genesis 33:20, we find an alter built to Yahweh. (Isn't it remarkable that John places Jesus right where the Yahweh was/is worshipped!)
Finally, I'd make note of two other little points that repeat in the gospel of John over and over again: Jesus talks in verse 10 of 'gnosis' ("If you knew...")- a secret knowledge or truth- and Jesus also utters the sacred words 'I am' in verse 26 (he does this later in the gospel in front of the Temple priests and they grab for stones to throw).
I think we have a remarkable passage that reveals a great deal about Jesus, our gospel writer and his community. In this passage the past, present and future are fused together in a remarkably subtle way. It is as if John is saying that all that was, is and ever will be exists for this one moment (indeed, every moment). The story moves us beyond a single encounter to transcend and embrace all time. As this story is read, we are in the presence of Jewish history, Jesus and the woman, the crucifixion, the entire gospel and this present day... all in a single bright moment when we truly understand.
Through Jesus, John also pushes us beyond religious boundries, beyond national boundries, beyond our time, to embrace the gnosis revealed by Christ. As usual, the disciples stand in for those that don't get it as they return to Jesus worried about what food Jesus might have eaten or water he might have drunk (more accurately, they are worried about who fed him and what unclean hands may have touched the masters lunch). They, unconverted to the gnosis of Christ, are consumed by the narrow concepts of clean and unclean from their traditions (think about it: a multimarried Samaritan woman who lives with a lover is about as unclean as one could get). All is not lost though as all is forgotten/forgiven in the climax of the story as everyone stays for two days eating and drinking as the workers rejoice together and they all become ritually unclean many times over... even as new converts are made to the Truth and God's celebration reigns.
I am left with a sense of the world being joyfully smashed, preconceptions gleefully ruined and dusty traditions wantonly derailed. Life, as we know it, is being turned every which way as God breaks forth with abandon.
(As an aside, I am also in awe of John's writing ability... To weave all that is woven in this passage is truly masterful)
This passage is wild!
Carried away! TB in MN
as I understand jesus and the samaritan woman at the well the one cental truth is what we find in john 11-25 jesus is the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the father, but by him. Jesus has said I have a springing well that is a gusher once you drink of it you will never thirst again. he continues in his procaimation , by saying that in the 4th chapter and the 38th verse he exclaims " I sent youto reap, that, for which you did not labour, others have lavoured, and you have entered into their labor." This statement exspresses the fact that the work has already been done for you anmd al you are requered to do is be present so you can fulfill its completion, Since, jeseu is speaking of wholeness and he may as well have said would thaou bee make whole because he ;has opened the soor for us to be make whaole and in his discribtion he has said all we have to do is aske Jonathan Blakeney
I have never posted before here, but I appreciate many of the comments that you all make! However, I feel a little more bold this week!
It seems to me that last week with good old Nic, we had the ultimate insider and well he didn’t get it. This week we have the ultimate outsider, a woman, a unmarried woman! And Samaritan to boot! At first she doesn’t get it either… but she follows Jesus and along the way her eye’s are opened to the possibilities even for her in this Jesus person, could this be the messiah?? And do you know what she does… does she keep this good news to herself? No she goes and spreads the word…. Hmmm…such a journey.
Rev. Kake Out on the island.
To Randy, the Russian Orthodox tradition gives the Samaritan woman the name of Svetlana.
Since this Sunday is a communion Sunday, I think I will emphasize the encounter between Jesus and this woman by calling my sermon "Breaking Bread, or Breaking Heads?" Jews and Samaritans were at odds, men and women were not supposed to be together in public, there are differing standards of acceptability (once married or celibate vs. married 5 times, whether through frequent dismissals or levirate marriage), this mountain or that mountain -- and the usual response to these differences was "breaking heads" rather than "breaking bread," tearing apart rather than bringing together. Yet Jesus sees the similarities, not the differences -- we thirst, we hunger, we desire relationship, we fall short of the glory of God, and yet we are equally creatures/children of God. Instead of only looking for the harvest of our own efforts, look around and see the fruit of God's creation all around us!
OLAS
I've been thinking that a modern parallel to this Samaritan woman is someone who's been through a series of "husbands", always ending up with a guy who abuses her. We know that many women who are abused have gotten caught up in a cycle like that.
Being aware of some abusive situations in the homes of church members, I think I'll take the opportuntity to talk about domestic abuse, including violence. Craddock points out that this is the longest conversation between Jesus and someone else, recorded in the New Testament. How does that inform our care of those who are undergoing abuse, or who are living with the scars? What hope does this pericope offer to women -- or men -- who are living in such an exile?
Does anyone have a URL for useful information on-line, about domestic abuse? I feel especially led to address this topic. MTSOfan
We live in a world that is hungry and thirsting - thirsting for fulfillment, satisfaction and self-actualization. The world is searching but coming back unfilled. We go to the many wells of the world looking for sustenance only to find that our buckets are not overflowing but empty. We look to food, finances and friends and we end up wanting. We look to popularity, possessions, and politics and yet we find no contentment. We look to the church, our careers, and our children and still we thirst. We try sex clubs, sports arenas and sandwich shops and still we find no real joy. We go to the health club, the hobby shop and the horoscope page only to end up lacking. We look to electronic devices, entertainment industries and educational institutions to complete us but find they are inadequate. You see, Mick Jaggar is not the only one who can’t get no satisfaction.
But the message from this passage is clear. No person has sunk so low, no individual is so lost or so broken or so despised or so lonely or so thirsty that Jesus cannot and will not provide sustanence and abundance of life.
You see, Jesus provides a quenching that no water can provide. He satisfies longings and desires that no possessions can fulfill. When the world is searching for that thing that will satisfy Jesus says, “those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty” (John 4:14).
We can search and search for meaning and purpose but we will always come back wanting unless we enter into a personal relationship with the living God who provides the living water.
The great theologian Saint Augustine prayed, “Lord Thou hast made me for Thyself. Therefore my heart is restless till it finds rest in Thee.” Victor Frankl, the Austrian psychologist wrote, “Each of us has a God-shaped hole in our hearts that only a personal relationship with God can fill.”
Pastor John in CT
Thanks TB in MN for your insights. I too am a John fan.
Since this is communion Sunday here, I'm thinking about borrowing from the current Gatorade ad campaign for Christ's living water - "Is it in you?" YOu may not qualify for the olympics (though you will sweat like the athletes in the commercials), but you will win the race that counts. Christ is an impartial judge (unlike figure skating "judges"!), according all people who believe in him a gold medal.
OK, I'm starting to get corny, so I'd better stop.
Blessings, "in the name of He who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,"
RevKinOK 2-26, 5PM
My first try at a sermon title this week is "One Order of Living Water, Please", sort of like what the lady yells through the little window to the cook in our local restaurant when you place your order at the counter.
The Samaritan woman is after water for her household (she may not have been married, but she was still carrying water) and Jesus is thirsty. He asks for water and what a conversation ensues! They start what seems like a friendly argument about who is going to serve water to whom, and how, and where, and when and even the why of living water.
Hey, the old water, the water in the well is confined to place, time, and culture. It's good water, it's familiar water, it's useful water. But, the new water, the water Jesus speaks of, the water Jesus offers, transcends place, time, culture, etc.
Just some early (for me) thoughts.
Rev. Ed in Al
I was particularly struck by an earlier contributer who raised up the point that the woman left behind her water jar and became, herself the vessel of living water.
Playing with that idea, I was thinking about the idea of the water representing our own spirituality. Some of us have deep wells. The water is stagnet, it doesn't taste very good, but when we are very desparate, we can draw substinance from it. Some go to that well only on Easter, Christmas, and for funerals.
Some have living water, bubbling up from with in. Always new, always fresh. Alive, growing, renewing. It is not reserved for desparate measures, but is a continual source of life, hope and strength.
I want that living water.
JR in BigD
Have you ever noticed that it is the women who drive the spirituality of the scriptures deeper and deeper? Even Jesus' message takes on new meaning when women, by their depth of heart, force him to reveal more and more about his message.
As my New Testament prof use to say, "When you see a woman assert herself in the scripture, watch out! God is about to be revealed."
TB in MN
A friend sent me a story recently that fits right well with this weeks scripture. It was about a minister's son who fell in love with a three time divorcee who had been converted and attending their church. When he proposed the whole church errupted. That night at a meeting of the elders the discussion grew quite heated and finally the ministers son stood up and said we are not on trial here what is on trial is the blood of Jesus. can it take away all sin or not. The elders became quiet hung their heads in shame and nothing more was said. Thats the short version.
Harold
MTSOfan--check out the SACS site...if there is one. This is the sexual assault crisis center or just type in domestic violence... One comment that I think is important for us clergy to remember to add when talking about abuse is that if it happens in a marriage the abuser breaks covenant by abusing so that if you leave you do not break the covenant, it has already been broken. If I find a good web site I will let you know. It is an important issue to face and deal with from the pulpit because people need to hear that clergy don't believe staying in an abusive situation is God's will. May God Bless your preaching this week! Peace JLS
We've been talking about the woman leaving her water jar behind as she realizes who Christ is and goes to share the good news. Now if we listen to her earlier comments, she wants Christ's water so she will never get thirsty nor have to come here and draw water, seems like a burdensome task. So, if we are talking symbolism here, perhaps, the water jar represents her burdens and once she realizes Christ is her Savior, she leaves her burden with him.
STAN in TN
I had friend check out the Greek and he said that the woman was not married to the last guy. Is this correct? PH in OH
rachel - The Samaritans heard a needy human being speak, though still unsure and still questioning, of hope in Christ. They listened since they too were in need. So often a woman or man who preaches does so without offering an ounce of living water. I am dismayed that your daughter must have something "tasty" for Christ's body and blood for communion. The Passover used unleavened bread (matzos), as I recall, which does taste like a tasteless saltine. She might prefer pizza? - VA PADRE
I want to say "thank you" to all who responded to my questions last week. Hope you don't think that I was bashing "Billy Graham" or "being born again, born from above". Harold in Ala. that you so much for your story...would like to hear more about how that lead you into the ministry. Beautiful story!! I cried when I read it. And to think...it wasn't the Church or a Pastor who offered Hope and Love, but police officers. Of course...they wouldn't have heard of it if it hadn't been for the Living Body of Christ proclaiming the gospel . Guess it goes to show that you never known where one's preaching on Sunday morning leads to...only the Holy Spirit knows. Now...on to the Woman at the Well. What can we say here that applies to men...also? Seems to me there are "Men at the Well" who are just as thirsty for the living waters of eternal life. But I am struggling with how to say that to the men in my congregation in a way they can identify with the Women at the Well. Thanks...Again!!! God Bless All of You in Your Ministries in and out of the Church of Jesus Christ. Humble in Ks.
Someone asked about web resources for Family Abuse. here are a few to start. http://www.ndvh.org/ http://www.famvi.com/ http://www.cybergrrl.com/fs.jhtml?/views/dv// http://www.domestic-violence.net/ http://www.gate.net/~liz/liz/013.htm
I like the comment about the water jar - bucket being 'Left Behind'! Especially because of the book series which has been such a hot seller. I would like to see folk get 'Living Water' weldiger in wnc
As you may have guessed from the fact that I submitted a recipe for communion bread, I do prefer to use something that more closely resembles bread we recognize when serving communion.
However, in defense of the unleavened wafers, they do not taste like Styrofoam, as anyone who has ever bitten off a piece of a cup would know instantly. What I recognized the very first time I tasted the unleavened wafer was its similarity in taste to the flat-bottomed cup in which we serve ice cream (minus the ice cream, of course). Few people complain about eating an ice cream cone, even if none of the sweetness of the ice cream remains when we reach the bottom. Maybe there is something to be said for the wafer, providing exactly what we need, with no frills, then recognizing that God indeed also provides bountiful gifts beyond what we need (the ice cream). Maybe that will work with this lesson, too. Jesus gave the Samaritans much more than was required. Just a few thoughts.
Michelle
The woman at the well sure sounds like a "crackpot" I think I'm using the following parable:
The Cracked Water Pot A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water in his master's house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you." "Why?" asked the bearer, "What are you ashamed of?" "I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to lead out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts," the pot said. The water bearer felt sorry for the old, cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path." Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure. The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the pat, but not on the other pot's side? That's because I have always known about your flaw, and took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master's table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house." Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all "cracked pots." But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them. There is a lot of good out there. There is a lot of good in us! "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. Remember to appreciate all the different people in your life! Or as we like to think of it. . . If it hadn't been for the crackpots in our lives, it would have been pretty boring... Pr. Del in Ia
This comes from The Luther Center Vermillion SD and is very good. Communion Bread
5 Heaping Tablespoons (from the drawer, not a measuring spoon) Brown Sugar
5 Heaping Tablespoons (again, from the drawer) Crisco
Cream together.
2 C. White Flour
1 C. Whole Wheat Flour
1 t. Baking Powder
1 t. Baking Soda
½ t. Salt
Mix together. Add to the brown sugar/crisco mixture and mix well (I use a pastry cutter). Add 1 C. cold water. Mix well. Knead thoroughly. (If the dough is sticky, add more white flour). Break into 8 equal parts and roll into flat, round loaves about ¼" thick.
Bake on a cookie sheets for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Press the loaves flat after 5 minutes of baking. Remove from oven and cool.
Bread freezes well. Makes 8 loaves.
Mehrke in SD
I am just getting started but a though struck me. Does anyone else see a connection here with the image of Ezekiel 47 about the river flowing out from the temple? It may be more apparent in John 7:37-39 because of the setting for Jesus' words there. But with Jesus' discussion with the woman about places of worship and the kinds of worshippers the Father seeks along with his words about springs of water flowing up from within to eternal life, it is hard not to import Paul's image of the believer as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Any thoughts on this? RG in Ontario
Maybe she had "legitimate" reasons for having had five husbands, and the one now living with her wasn't (John doesn't say whether she had a sexual relationship with him). But she was SAMARITAN and FEMALE! To say that Jews don't share things in common with Samaritans is an understatement. They weren't even supposed to talk to Jewish women (in Pearson, Mishnah Aboth 1,5) "Speak not much with a woman. Since a man's own wife is meant here, how much more does not this apply to the wife of another? ..."
According to Pearson, To touch something she touched would have violated three laws (my summary) 1) a Samaritan - unclean, apostate, just because they worshiped on the "wrong" mountain, 2) good Jews weren't suposed to talk to women other than their mothers or wives, and 3) Samaritan women were considered by some to be perpetual menstruants, and the laws of Leviticus (15:19) made them ritually unclean. Not to mention that there was suspicion about the morals of Samaritan women just from pure prejudice.
This text points to the holy breaking of laws that we glimpse from Jesus - and that people in the town listened to her, well - maybe that's God working in yet another surprising way. Are we willing to break laws for the sake of spirit and truth? Is Jesus willing to break a law for us>?
Sally in GA
I've started lurking recently -- this site has fascinating discussions and I never looked at it before because I didn't feel "desperate" -- glad I finally clicked through the link. Anyway, I just ran into the following quotation on http://www.scborromeo.org/biblestu/a_lent_3.htm and it fits the discussion of whether the woman was "wanton" or not:
-----
In saying "the man you are with now," Jesus is referring to Himself. Jacob met his wife at a well but Jesus tells her that He is not destined to be her husband. There is, however, a much deeper meaning: Hosea 2 tells of when the Messiah comes he will go to Israel (Samaria) and betroth to Israel and take away the Baals. According to Dr. Scott Hahn, the prophets were sent to condemn Samaria "you will be given over to the pagan nations surrounding you and they will bring their Baals (gods)." The prophets listed five different Baals (2 Kings 17) and she has had five husbands (baals).
-----
I've never heard this interpretation of the sixth man being Jesus before. I am curious if the Greek supports this (and will get out Strong's to see if I can figure it out).
Anna
For MTSOfan and others concerned about domestic violence:
One of the best resources is The Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence, located in Seattle, WA. Founded by the Rev. Marie Fortune (UCC), it has worked on these issues and the role of the church for many years. The website is: www.cpsdv.org
They provide books, videos, workshops and such, for use in churches and training events. They have a great workbook on Violence in the Family to help clergy and others deal with this epidemic problem.
RevSophia, UM in Central PA
Thanks, weldiger and RevSophia. At our worship design team meeting this morning, we had a wonderful discussion about this pericope, in relation to domestic abuse. To me, this is quite an opportunity. BTW, RevSophia, I'm a UM in the Poconos. MTSOfan
When I was a student chaplain at the women’s prison one of my duties was to host the outside church groups that came on Sunday afternoons to give a brief church service, sing and to bring small gifts for the women. They brought wash cloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, pocket combs, soap and other small necessities for the women. These people also served some dessert to guarantee an audience. The first Sunday, the Black Baptist pastor spoke on the Woman at the Well. The next Sunday another Black Baptist pastor spoke on the Woman at the Well. The third Sunday yet another the Black Baptist pastor spoke on the Woman at the Well. When the fourth Black Baptist pastor called to confirm that his church group was coming I told him that he could preach on any passage except the Woman at the Well. “How did you know what I was thinking about using?” he asked. “I’ve heard it three Sundays in a row, my women know they are sinners, they need to hear about God’s grace.” “I hear you, Sister.” One thing about a prison population, they know they are sinners. Local congregations have a tough time remembering that “all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” Too often I have heard, “Well, I never did (fill in the blank with someone else’s sin).” Patients in a psych hospital know they need help, but too often people on the outside hide their hurts, their ills and suffer unnecessarily. Jesus shows hurting people the grace, love and acceptance they need to find healing. The self-righteous Pharisees often find him blunt and confrontive. To receive help we need to know we need and be willing to receive it. Sue in Cuba, KS
What's the gals name that does your fortune on the Psychic Hotline? Sounds as if Jesus has some of those same gifts... only thing missing is "CALL ME NOW!".... vs. 29 the woman proclaims... "He's told me everything I've ever done!" ----------
Regarding the "food" no one knows about... somehow I can't get the image of the half-eaten candy bar "hidden" in my desk drawer at the church. No one knows it's there either... in fact... I can't remember which drawer I left it in... but it has to be here somewhere...
still looking for a sermon...
I was thinking of a title... "But MORE than THIS!"
Early musings... for me anyway! ;?)
Blessings and thanks all,
pulpitt in ND
What's the gals name that does your fortune on the Psychic Hotline? Sounds as if Jesus has some of those same gifts... only thing missing is "CALL ME NOW!".... vs. 29 the woman proclaims... "He's told me everything I've ever done!" ----------
Regarding the "food" no one knows about... somehow I can't get the image of the half-eaten candy bar "hidden" in my desk drawer at the church. No one knows it's there either... in fact... I can't remember which drawer I left it in... but it has to be here somewhere...
still looking for a sermon...
I was thinking of a title... "But MORE than THIS!"
Early musings... for me anyway! ;?)
Blessings and thanks all,
pulpitt in ND
pulpitt in ND:
I think the name you're looking for is "Miss Cleo."
MTSOfan
>>I think the name you're looking for is "Miss Cleo." >>MTSOfan
Yes indeed, that is her! ;?)
Thanks MTSOfan! Made my day!
pulpitt in ND
According to Tyndale and the Harper Collins Bible Dictionary the Samaritans absolutely did use the book of Deuteronomy in face they set up a place for worship on Mt. Gerizim using Deuteronomy 11:26-29 and 27:1-8 as their basis to do so. The divide between the Samaritians and the Jews was due to the fact that they had intermarried and were no longer considered to be pure Jews. I think Jesus was stepping across boundaries and norms here to reach out to people that normally are excluded and that the living water is offered freely to all. Kathy in NC
Anna,
If the story is only analogy, with the woman being all of Samaria, and the five husbands being the gods (Baals), we lose so much of the meaning, for she responds by running to town, saying, "He told me everything about myself!" Not about "us." I like the thought that Jesus is here to reclaim that which was lost to false gods, however. But I don't think I'd take the story in that direction.
Michelle
Sue in Cuba, KS: Thanks for the reminder. My wife and I have been involved in prison ministry for several years. You are absolutely right about the residents knowing they have sinned. My experience is more that they (I) need to know that they (I) can be forgiven and that God's grace is free to all and is more powerful than their (my) ability to separate them (me) from God's love. Charley in NETex.
I too am a fan of John's gospel and especially this story. It seems that often Jesus' words could be the Samaritan woman's and vice-versa. "You have no bucket and the well is deep" is the literal truth the S-woman speaks, but they are the metaphorical words that Jesus could speak to her and to us. Christ offers living water to us and often we are ill-equipped to receive it. Jesus says the words, "give me a drink" but it is our deepest desire that we are sometimes unable to articulate.
The text says that Samaritans and Jews do not share things in common, but they (and we) all share a thirst for spirit and truth, for life, love and wholeness as real as our craving for water. Precisely that which we thirst for, spirit and truth, is what we are to offer to God in worship.
I also like the tentative statement of faith of the S-woman. Even a questioning sharing of faith can have impact. I have preached on this text in the past as an encouragement to evangelism even if one is not sure she/he has all the answers.
As for the discussions on well-water and how grungey it is, you may want to check your facts. I don't know what a first century well was like, but many people in the not-so-distant past used well-water and I don't recall stories of it being sub-standard. I grew up with "well water" on a farm in the Rocky Mountains and it was wonderful, pure and some of the best tasting water I've had. Of course there was some modern technology involved, a pump and such (perhaps filters?), but no chemical purification was needed.
In my sermon I will probably focuson the theme of our thirst for God and Christ's offer of love and grace. I am thinking of handing out small white paper cups and pens to everyone and at communion time, inviting everyone to write down what they truly thirst for. Then when people come forward to receive communion they will bring their cups with them. After receiving the sacrament by intinction, there will be another stop where someone with a pitcher of good-tasting water will fill their cup. They will be invited to drink the living water of Christ and place their empty cup on the altar, as a symbol of our trust in God to satisfy our thirst today and in the future. JBinID
Regarding the sixth man, 'the man you are with now..." and the specualtion of some that Jesus is referring to himself: Doesn't the Greek read, "...the man you have now."
Makes a difference as to if that can be Jesus.
The banter between them is really great. Somewhere in their dialogue they get ro really reading between the lines and have a true encounter.
In the dialogue is the bread of life (my paraphrase of Martin Buber's "all real living is dialogue.") Manzel
Kathy in NC:
With all due respect to the Tyndale and Harper-Collins editors, it is my understading that the Samaritans refused to adopt the Book of Deuteronomy. The Samaritans recognized the "Tetrateuch", i.e., the first four books of the Hebrew Scriptures, but not the Book of Deuteronomy. Historians believe Deuteronomy may the book of the Law found in the Temple at Jerusaelm according to the Second Book of Kings (Ch. 22 and 23). Hilkiah, the high priest in the reign of Josiah (1 Chr. 6:13; Ezra 7:1) was entrusted with the purification of the Jerusalem Temple. While this was in progress, he discovered in some hidden corner of the building a book called the "book of the law" (2 Kings 22:8) and the "book of the covenant" (2 Kings 23:2). This is supposed by historians to be Deuteronomy. Interestingly, it is in this book that the proscription against offering the Passover sacrifice anywhere but the Jerusalem Temple is set forth (Deut. 16:5-6). The Samaritans, rejecting this "fifth book of Moses," offered sacrifice in their own places of worship. Their worship, tainted with the practices non-Jewish religions and now in violation of the Law as set forth in Deuteronomy, was an abomination to the Jews of the south. You are correct that the matter of mixed blood was a major issue in the Jew-vs.-Samaritan divide. (My source for this historical precis, by the way, is The New Interpreters Bible.)
Blessings, Eric in KS
Nancy-WI asked about the Cotton Patch Gospels....whether they were "real books" or "rewrites". I suppose Clarence Jordan, the author, would consider them "real books". He has written a number of translations of the Gospels {Matthew, John, Luke (Acts)}, Jesus' Parables of Liberation (which includes commentary), and several versions of Paul's Epistles. Clarence Jordan (BS in Agriculture, ThM and PhD in New Testament Greek) was the founder of Koinonia Farm in Americus, Ga., a pioneering interracial community started when (1942) and where (the deep south) it wasn't 'politically correct' to do so. His "translation" of the gospels has an honest, somewhat hard-hitting approach with a distinct southern US flavor. Highly recommend!
One more possible suggestion. She could have been married to all of those husbands and they died. Black widow, remember Tamar? It would be just as shamefull. Noone would want to marry a woman with such bad luck. So speculations aside, this woman should know every line a man has to offer until she heard, the Living water line. Doesn't our past sometimes make us think, Sir you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Gen
Dear DPSers,
thanks for bringing the "no-date-stamp problem" to our attention.
We have resolved the problem and you should see the stamp again as of this posting.
Blessings...Frank, DPS staff
Kathy in NC -- more on that Pentateuch/Tetrateuch/Samaritan thing .... the issue (for some inexplicable reason) continued to bother me, so I did some quick research last night ....
There is a "Samaritan Pentateuch", the origin of which is apparently quite hotly debated, but generally agreed to date from about 100 b.c.e. It does contain Deuteronomy. However, it differs in many respects from the accepted Jewish Torah (the Masoretic text). In particular, according to Easton's and Smith's dictionaries, it contains "alterations made in favor of or on behalf of Samaritan theology, hermeneutics and domestic worship." (Smith's)
So the question of whether the Samaritans accepted Deuteronomy is not quite as black-and-white as I had remembered.... perhaps the "accepted" it to some degree but edited out the portions they didn't like.
Blessings, Eric in KS
I agree Eric in KS I think that they absolutely used it according to their own interpertation. (Aren't we guilty of that at times) I also agree that because the region had been repopulated by the Assyrian King and other religions had been intermixed in their worship and that definetly played a part in their worhsip They were shunned also and not allowed to help rebuild the temple under Ezra. By the way my preaching professor at Duke would not let us use The New Interperters I don't know why his own personal thing I guess. I think they are good. Blessings Kathy in NC
The last verse: 4:42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world." is very interesting. It says to me that when others testify about Christ the message is spoken but in order to believe there must be a hearing by the heart of the person and that is how we come to know the Savior. Somehow the message of Christ is not a cloak to put on but rather something that connects our being with the God's being. Nancy-Wi
4.26 - Jesus said to her "I am he"...this is a rare revelation within the gospels, that Jesus says outright who he is! WOW! R in Ontario
To those struggling with men relating to this passage. Do not men also have pasts too? Somethings in their pasts may not be so great either. That is where I am going with the past thing. We all have pasts, we all have things we would rather leave behind. We all have trouble accepting that we can leave them to Christ, nancy-Wi
I think that remember in Jewish faith that only running water could cleanse a woman after her period. I am not sure if that was the case for anything else too. Nancy-Wi
I see much parallel in this story and the one in Exodus (see my post under that reading). My main idea has to do with the "water within"--that there is a stream of life flowing within us that can break through the layers of insulation that build up over time. We're going to sing the chorus, "I've Got a River of Life FLowing Out of Me." Any other connections, ideas, or stories will be appreciated. I'm still not sure how to tie the "quarreling/testing" in Exodus to this reading.
Thoughts?
TK in OK
VA in Padre -- sorry to ruffle your feathers! In Psalms it says "Taste and See that the Lord is good' I'll admit I never liked ice cream cones either. But to move on...
What about this woman's sense of failure. Many people i know have a sense of failure when their marriage ends, even if the other was abusive, etc. If the Samaritans,like the Jews,only allowed a man to get a divorce, and she was divorced and not widowed, how much of a failure she must have thought herself.
A former minister, who was asked to leave his church, a couple of years before retirement, is in deep depression, because he feels "his life is over." Maybe he helped someone in the past, but now he's a "failure" and can't do anything but pace and sleep.
Others facing insurmountable bills, crumbling marriages, unemployment, unruly children, all often share this sense of failure. Can fresh, living water be poured upon their hearts allowing them a new life and hope?
I appreciate all of your postings. I don't take the time to check in every week any more. but thanks. Rachel
I was looking at the Exodus reading to see how it might connect to the Gospel and the thought struck me that like Moses struck the rock and water began to flow, Jesus 'strikes' the rock of the Samaritan woman's heart and living water begins to flow. A fascinating image. RG in Ontario
OK, I just can't help myself...
If she'd been widowed 5 times, and the Bible doesn't specify WHY she'd had so many husbands ... it might very well be like that old Herman's Hermit's song ... 'Ennery the 8th!
Good thing I didn't give up cheesy jokes for Lent!
Sally in gA
Susan in Sapedro I use this communion bread recipe given to me by a fellow clergyperson. It can easily be cut into cubes for distribution or intinction. 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup white flour 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup oil 1/4 cup honey 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 1 tsp baking powder 3/4 cup yogurt
Grease cookie sheet, mix above and roll onto cookie sheet. Bake 350 oven for 10 minutes. My congregation loves it. Peace. Rev.wwm in QC
There is so much searching -- longing-- for meaning in our society. The popular culture touches on it here and there. A book about how you can live to be really old, another on meditation and the use of crystals, a JC Penney ad that lets you know that real fulfillment is found in leaving the kids with dad and shopping -- I have longed to say, "You are looking for the living water! I know where you can get it." I think that's what I want to say, even to those of us in church: don't forget -- here is that living water, the other stuff is just stuff, and like the woman at well, we keep going back for it because it doesn't quench our thirst.
HW in HI
After Sally's input... which I loved by the way...
Seems the disciples should have said something like... "Um, ah...Jesus... you asked HER to bring you water... what, are you nutts man? She's already killed 5 husbands..."... I wouldn't eat anything that woman offered me...
;?)
pulpitt in ND
POSSIBLE OUTLINE:
(Verses 4-9) Jesus Is For All Samaritins worshiped the same God as the people of Israel, but basically, the Jews didn’t think the Samaritans knew and worshiped God properly.
(Verses 10-15) First Misunderstanding - Water Jesus has water for the woman to drink that the woman does not understand. Jesus equates himself with the living water that scripture speaks of in Zechariah 14:6-9
(Verses 16-19) Minor Miracle And Weak Faith Jesus truly knows the depth of who we are, and nothing is hidden from God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is more than a prophet sent by God; Jesus IS God.
(Verses 20-24) The Right Place Is Faith Where we encounter God is not restricted to a mountain or in a city (or any designated place), but in faith - which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We are saved by grace, through faith ALONE in Jesus Christ.
(Verse 25-26) Who Is Jesus Jesus is the great I AM.
(Verse 27-42) Second Misunderstanding - Harvest Jesus has food for the disciples to eat the disciples do not understand. Jesus said: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.” Martin Luther said: “God’s will comes to us whenever God breaks and hinders every evil scheme and will of the devil, the world, and our flesh that would not allow us to hallow God’s name and would prevent the coming of the kingdom. And God’s will comes about whenever God strengthens us and keep us steadfast in his Word and in faith until the end of our lives. This is God’s gracious and good will.”
Other Connections: John 7:37-39 — (poor translation in NRSV when compared to the O.T. reference) “Out of his (Jesus - not the believer) heart (belly) shall flow rivers of living water). John 19:33-37 — from Jesus poured out blood and water
RevKarl in Utah
Sorry,
That didn't quite post as I thought it would.
Let me try it again.
RevKarl in Utah
POSSIBLE OUTLINE:
(Verses 4-9) Jesus Is For All
Samaritins worshiped the same God as the people of Israel, but basically, the Jews didn’t think the Samaritans knew and worshiped God properly.
(Verses 10-15) First Misunderstanding - Water
Jesus has water for the woman to drink that the woman does not understand. Jesus equates himself with the living water that scripture speaks of in Zechariah 14:6-9
(Verses 16-19) Minor Miracle And Weak Faith
Jesus truly knows the depth of who we are, and nothing is hidden from God. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is more than a prophet sent by God; Jesus IS God.
(Verses 20-24) The Right Place Is Faith
Where we encounter God is not restricted to a mountain or in a city (or any designated place), but in faith - which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. We are saved by grace, through faith ALONE in Jesus Christ.
(Verse 25-26) Who Is Jesus
Jesus is the great I AM.
(Verse 27-42) Second Misunderstanding - Harvest
Jesus has food for the disciples to eat the disciples do not understand. Jesus said: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.” Martin Luther said: “God’s will comes to us whenever God breaks and hinders every evil scheme and will of the devil, the world, and our flesh that would not allow us to hallow God’s name and would prevent the coming of the kingdom. And God’s will comes about whenever God strengthens us and keep us steadfast in his Word and in faith until the end of our lives. This is God’s gracious and good will.”
Other Connections:
John 7:37-39 — (poor translation in NRSV when compared to the O.T. reference) “Out of his (Jesus - not the believer) heart (belly) shall flow rivers of living water).
John 19:33-37 — from Jesus poured out blood and water
RevKarl in Utah
I have struggled with this gospel this week trying to preach it in a refreshing manner. Then it happened! Did it strike anyone that the Samaritan woman left her jar at the well? She left it there in complete trust of the one she encountered, trusting that only good would be placed in it. And to Pastor John in CT, thanks for that Frankl quote. That just ties together so beautifully. lp in CO
If you receive this twice, I apologize. It wouldn't submit. I have struggled to preach this differently this time around. Finally it struck me. Did anyone else notice that the woman "left the jar at the well?" That jumped at me. She left it there in complete trust of the one who was at the well---only good would be put in it. Also, Pastor John in CT, thanks for the Frankl quote. That jump-started my sermon. lp in CO
Harold,
Please be careful how you interperet the Passover symbols. The middle piece of Matzoh, the affikomen, is NOT "broken and symbolically buried and ressurrected for communion." It is hidden for the children to find AFTER the meal is eaten. The first to find it is given a gift. Don't equate the "marks" on the matzoh with the stripes and bruises. These are modern results of the way the matzoh is baked. It would not have been baked this way in ancient times. We need to respect our Hebrew heritage, and our Jewish friends.
I have some wonderful resources on Passover if anyone is interested.
RevJan
Anyone still in need of inspiration? The small book, JESUS AND THOSE BODACIOUS WOMEN, by Linda H. Hollies (Pilgrim Press), has a good sermon on this story. If you have a UMW, they might have it on their shelf since it was on their 2001 reading list.
Not that I didn't find hers inspiring, but for my own sermon I'm going out now to rent HIGH NOON. Maybe, just maybe... ...you never know.
pHil
It's Friday morning and verse 4:42 just leaped out and hit me like a ton of bricks. The towns people say that they no longer believe because of what the woman says but because they have heard for themselves. No longer a second hand faith. Most of us start out believeing because of what someone else says But we must come to that personal experience for ourselves. God has no Grandchildren. Just like when we move to a new church we ask about a good doctor and we hear recommendations and finally go to see one because he or she is highly recommended. After we go to him or her we know for ourselves what kind of doctor he or she is. The people, once they have experienced Jesus for themselves now believe that he is truly the savior of the world.
Harold
Rev. Jan
I got my information from Israel Cohen a Christian Jew. He has taught, "Christ in the Passover" All over this country. He is a member of Chosen Peoples Ministries and does most of his work and teaching in New York. Last I heard of him He was beaten up in the Airport terminal witnessing to Jews comming here from Russia. We did the entire sader meal with him directing it at one of my former churches. I was just going by what he taught us.
Harold
As to the request for a website on domestic violence, here is what I consider the best: www.cpsdv.org
As a Presbyterian pastor, I spent the last two years working outside the church as a domestic violence counselor, and did a lot of research on the church and d.v.
Glad to hear that you are addressing it!
Tammy in MN
We were warned in my homiletics course years ago to always be sure that our sermons _exegete_ the text, i.e., read FROM scripture, not _eisegete_ the text, i.e., read INTO the scripture.
For this reason I am troubled by the idea of using this pericope as an entree into a sermon on domestic violence, as worthy as that subject is and as much as it needs to be addressed. Just as there is no reason to suppose the Samaritan woman is "wanton"... so there is no Biblical warrant for supposing her various husbands to have been "abusers"!
This is an extremely important story about about spiritual wellness, about the universal message of salvation, about many things ... but it is not about domestic abuse. If you are going to preach such a sermon, be very careful to tell your congregants that your sermon results from your personal interests and some rather free-wheeling free-association sparked perhaps by the lesson, but not drawn from it.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Here's something about water from George MacDonald, the Victorian Scottish pastor and novelist:
"Is oxygen-and-hydrogen the divine idea of water? Or has God put the two together only that man might separate and find them out? He allows His child to pull his toys to pieces: but were they made that he might pull them to pieces? He were a child not to be envied for whom his inglorious father would make toys to such an end! A school-examiner might see therein the best use of a toy, but not a father! Find for us what in the constitution of the two gases makes them fit and capable to be thus honoured in forming the lovely thing, and you will give us a revelation about more than water, namely about the God who made oxygen and hydrogen. There is no water in oxygen, no water in hydrogen; it comes bubbling fresh from the imagination of the living God, rushing from under the great white throne of the glacier. The very thought of it makes one gasp with an elemental joy no metaphysician can analyse. The water itself, that dances and sings, and slakes the wonderful thirst -- symbol and picture of that draught for which the woman of Samaria made her prayer to Jesus -- this lovely thing itself, whose very wetness is a delight to every inch of the human body in its embrace -- this living thing which, if I might, I would have running through my room, yea, babbling along my table -- this water is its own self its own truth, and is therein a truth of God. Let him who would know the truth of the Maker, become sorely athirst, and drink of the brook by the way -- then lift up his heart -- not at that moment to the Maker of oxygen and hydrogen, but to the Inventor and Mediator of thirst and water, that man might foresee a little of what his soul may find in God." UNSPOKEN SERMONS, Third Series, "The Truth", excerpted in GEORGE MACDONALD: AN ANTHOLOGY, C.S. Lewis, ed., McMillan Co.: New York, 1948, p. 81.
Blessings, Eric in KS
Back to the 6th man: The greek uses (according to Strong's, anyway): "echo" which is apparently translatable as about a hundred things -- to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition):—be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can (+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do, + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use.
If you take it as contiguity, relation or accompanying, I guess it's possible to translate it "the man you are with now" instead of "the man (husband) you have now."
Not sure where I'm going with that, except maybe just to take the focus off her traditional depiction as "wanton" and back onto the "living water." Also, thanks to whoever posted the Indian story of the cracked jar. I plan to use it.
Oops, forgot to sign that.
Anna
Mar.1,'02 RevJan,
I'm just curious, but would you by any chance be from North Alabama, near the georgia line--the daughter of old family friends from ther became an episcopal priest, she is named Jan. Just wondering if it's you.
David Pannell in MS
Mar.1,'02 RevJan,
I'm just curious, but would you by any chance be from North Alabama, near the georgia line--the daughter of old family friends from ther became an episcopal priest, she is named Jan. Just wondering if it's you.
David Pannell in MS
Two themes are working on me. One is the obvious theme of disputes and divisions which we erect based on class, sex, nationality, age, sexual orientation, race, etc., etc.,.
The other is the water image - that "universal solvent". I can't get over the image of joy here, of water "welling up" into eternal life: of water that doesn't quit and doesn't ever leave you thirsty.
How can these two different things - the Samaritian/Jew split and Jesus crossing the lines, and finding the living water - not in the geography of religion (Jerusalem or Mt. G.), but in the universal nature of the human soul when it builds a relationship (anytime, anywhere) with its creator.
Duane in Providence
Communion Bread: If you want an unleavened bread, I bake flour tortillas at 300 degrees for 10-12 minutes on a cookie sheet. Cut into squares before baking. bc in MO
What the heck--lots of others have given their communion bread recipes--guess I'll jump in, too. I make the dough in the bread maker and then shape it into two round loaves and bake them on a cookie sheet about 13 minutes at 375. (Baking time and temperature might be affected a bit by altitude--I'm at high altitude.) 1 cup water, 2 tbsp margarine or butter, 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 3 cups flour, 3 tbsp. malted milk powder, 2 1/2 tsp. yeast. This is a nice, heavy bread that breaks well and works well for intinction because it isn't crumbly. It's pretty good just to eat, too! the other lp in CO
Here's an interesting bit about wells and about their symbolism vis-a-vis the wounds of Christ:
"The Well or spring, irrespective of individual associated structures, cults, or legends, relating to actual examples, is a powerful symbol in its own right, and as such is used universally. Symbols being by nature both multivalent and ambiguous, the exact impact of any particular example of the well-as-symbol can be decided only by exploration of the context in which it appears. In the Middle Ages in Europe, there developed a devotional cult of the Five Wounds of the crucified Christ. One expression of this cult was to consider the Five Wounds as so many wells, the endless springing water from unknown depths symbolising the eternal outflowing of God's unfathomable love, as expressed in the wounds acquired by Christ during His self-sacrifice on the cross. Occasionally images of the wound-wells were used as amulets, intended to enable the wearer to avail himself of this outpouring of grace. One fine English example is the Coventry Ring, a gold finger-ring now preserved in the British Museum. This shows an image of Christ, of the iconographic type known as the 'Image of Pity', and images of the Five Wounds. Inscriptions give the 'names' of the wounds: 'the well of confort', 'the well of gracy [grace]', the well of pitty', 'the well of merci'. Christ's side-wound (devotion to which ultimately gave rise to the cult of the Sacred Heart, which also used well-symbolism extensively) is called 'the well of evver lastingh lyffe'."
"The Well as Symbol (Part 1)" by Roy Fry & Tristan Gray Hulse in _Source: The Holy Wells Journal_ (Issue 1, Autumn 1994), online http://www.bath.ac.uk/lispring/sourcearchive/ns1/ns1tgh1.htm
Blessings, Eric in KS
David Pannell in MS
Nope. I'm in Illinois.
Harold
Check out the Anit-Defamation League. They have a wonderful seder service I've used for the past several years with my congregation. My OT Professor, Harrell Beck warned against "Christianizing" the seder. It is rich in its own tradition and symbolism. When we stick to that, he said, we can see the connections with Christianity. For that reason, I never move from the seder (I always call it a representative seder) to communion. Perhaps I'm a bit biased because our dear friends happen to be Jewish!
RevJan
As usual, I'm getting started late--it's Friday afternoon. Also, as usual, I'm headed somewhere different from the rest of y'all.
As I was reading through helpful commentaries I was struck by one simple idea (sorry I can't remember which author). The woman (and we readers) slowly come to an understanding of who this Jesus is. Even though he reveals himself to her, it is clear that her understanding is limited: "he can't be the Messiah, can he?" Yet she still carries her message and brings others to meet this man. Others come to have faith in him thanks to her initial invitation--her testimony.
She didn't have the whole picture. She didn't get it clearly yet, but she was able to witness "at the level of her faith."
There are so many ways to focus as we talk about this text. This time, I'm looking at witnessing at the level of our faith. In part, this will give me an opportunity to talk about the faith that is shared in our "Overcomers Outreach," which has been criticized by some long-time members as being limited in its scope. They think of them as New Christians teaching limited Christianity. It will also give me an opportunity to talk about the faith lessons I have learned from my youth group. We just completed a 24-hour fast for Week of Compassion. 8 youth raising over $1,000, and learning, and sharing in the process.
I have been seeking other stories about those who share their faith no matter how limited their knowledge might be.
If it's not too late, please help me out.
Pam in San Bernardino
In the movie, 'Brave Heart', Mel Gibson has a line, "Everyone dies, but not everyone lives" Thank all of you for your contributions! PoinSpirit
Quotation from Malcolm Muggeridge, British journalist and writer and convert to Roman Catholicism:
"I may, I suppose, reagrd myself as a relatively successful man. people occasionally stare at me in the streets; that's fame. I can earn enough to qualify for admission to the higher slopes of the Inland Revenue; that's success. It might nappen once in a while that something I said or wrote was sufficiently heeded for me to persuade myself that it represented a serious impact on our time; that's fulfilment. Yet I say to you and beg you to believe me, multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them all together, and they are nothing, less than nothing, a positive impediment, measured against one draught of that living water Christ offers to the spiritually thirsty, irrespective or who or what they are."
Shalom,
--
Paul Weary (Croydon, UK)
As I look at this passage I remember these things:
John's Gospel repeats. He keeps telling us stories and ends each one with who Jesus is. Knowing this, I see chapter 3:31-36 as a good summary of the Samaritan Woman story.
I see the woman came to the well at NOON and not early in the morning with the other womwn of the town. This tells me she saw herself as less worthy. Maybe it was the 5 husbands? We know if she had a son or family she would be living with them as was the custom in those days. She was trying to survive and can be counted as one of the lost Jesus came to save. Possably she is a symbol of the Samaritan people who were saw a impure and estranged from God (sinners).
The John 4:5 passage about this being Jacobs well and land belonging to Joseph is trying to remind us of the story of Joseph. As you remember God used Joseph to keep his people alive by having the brothers despise their brother and sell him into slavery. They told Jacob his favorite son was dead. Much later in the story we see these words. Genesis 45:7 "God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance." <<Sounds Christ-like to me.
I agree with Eric, please stick to the text. Let this passage speak the good news.
Blessings to all, topher in KS
>I have food to eat that you do not know about! >what is that? Manzel
The word and will and mission of the Father in the Son:
Matthew 4 3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"
I.E. "You disciples are focussed on your needy stomachs; are you listening to my Father? Something else is-- or is about to-- happen here for a needy soul, as I abide and pray. That's more important."
We worry about our fad-diets, our infinitely various foods and tastes and other gluttonous matters, worshipping our taste-buds and bellies and such-- perhaps we are not always so concerned to feed on the will of the Father, or seek his opportunities in the spiritual starvation all around us (and often, within us too).
Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, type thing....
SAT in NS
This is late coming Saturday morning but perhaps it will be helpful to some of us still at work on Sunday's homily. I received my 2nd copy of "Biblical Archaeology Review" this week containing an interesting article on a debate about bathing pools in Sepphoris. These pools could be either bathtubs for normal bathing or Mikva'ot which are ritual pools for purification.
The mikva'ot are required to contain "living water" rather then "drawn water." "Living water is a Biblical term that is only used in a discussion of the purification of a "zav," a person suffering from a genital discharge ( due most likely to venereal disease)" . Lev. 15:13. (1)
Living water is described as water that flows directly from a spring and is given the highest order of excellence according to the Mishnah on mikva'ot. The mikveh (singular) may be filled with rain water that is directed from roof tops but this water is not as excellent as living water. Water drawn by the "hand of Man" is not acceptable for use in Mikva'ot.
Perhaps this will help us understand some of the finer points of the events at Jacob's well in Samaria. The well as I understand it is really a cistern that collects rain water and perhaps some ground water. To get this water requires the "hand of Man" to draw the water in a bucket or other vessel. This water then is a human work of sorts and lacks the sanctity of water that flows freely from a natural spring.
The woman received "living water" springing from Jesus, the Rock, and had no need for her bucket - a sign of leaving the world of human works for the free gift of grace.
Deke in Texas - Pace e Bene Thanks to all who posted their wonderful thoughts.
(1) Ronnie Reich, "They Are Ritual Baths: Immerse Yourself in the Ongoing Sepphoris Mikveh Debate" "Biblical Archaeology Review" March/April 2002 page 51
Paul in Croydon (UK) -- Do you have a source for the Muggeridge quotation?
Thanks, Eric in KS
Pam, I think of the line "he can't be the Messiah, can he?" to be read with wonderment and belief rather than still questing. we often use similiar phrasing to express our belief. Maybe I am wrong. the last verse to me indicates that all we do and say can not make a person believe but can facilitate a connection by means of opening a door. Now I'd better get moving! Nancy-Wi
Remember the movie "Like Water, Like Chocolate"? It portrayed, in legend style, the story of a passionate young woman whose emotions were conveyed to her cooking. If she was sad, people who ate her dishes ended up in tears. If she was happy, they ended up rejoicing. Similarly, in the gift of living water, we see the passion of God. God's life and love that through Christ conveys life for you and me.
TxRev
I wonder if Jesus remembered this woman when he asked for a drink from the cross?
INFP in WSNC
To the "other lp in CO." I'm Lora and you are??? :-) I live in Pueblo but serve a small UM Church in Olney Springs--about 40 miles East. The original lp in CO.
Greetings to all. I wish to share some findings that may be of interest. 1. According to Jewiash custom, when one drinks together, represents a short term frindship, a close acquaintance type of thing, and we all have met on our journey, someone who has made an inpression on us for a short time. To eat a meal, break bread together, symbolizes or represents a desire or a connection that unites two or more persons for eternity. We do not regertitate our food, we use it for nourishment to continue our journeys. 2. This woman confronts this man Jesus over water, and before it is all ovwer with, he stays to break bread with them for two days. 3. When this woman met Jesus, she came to know herself, her God, and revealed her discovery to her neighbors, and they came to know God through her.
I feel when we set aside our prejudices of the 'woman' and confront a wounded person (without prejudice), a Christ who gently confronts sin, and heals, forgives, producing a living witness for the Kingdom, this becomes another example of the work of reconciliation God has called each of us to do. Think about it ...... Dave in La.
Everyone, Thank you.
I'm preaching "Living Water" this week, and have gained much from this page. It's 3:30 on Saturday, and I have yet to get the words on a page, but it's in there, boiling, getting ready to whistle, I believe. Thanks again.
Michelle
About Jacob's Well and whether it is a cistern or a "living" well.... A website dedicated to the well, with pictures, states the following:
The well bottom has varied in depth through the centuries, from 240 feet in A.D. 670 to 67 feet in A.D. 1881. It was "very deep" in Jesus' day (John 4:11). Our guide feeds out what he says are 125 feet of rope before the bucket touches water, then begins the arduous task of raising the bucket back to the surface. Several of us gather around and drink from a common brass cup. This well, from which Jesus once asked a drink, is fed by underground springs, and its water is fresh and cool. Because the water is moving and not from a cistern, the ancients called it "living water" -- a term to which Jesus gave a new and special meaning.
The website is found at http://www.edwardfudge.com/sychar.html
Blessings, Eric in KS
I'm always excited to see a George MacDonald quote! Especially one I don't remember encountering before. Thanks, Eric. I plan to let it open the service and set the mood.
Incidently, I didn't find much inspiration in HIGH NOON. At least, so far, the only relevence I can think of is the use noonday in a dry setting to highlight the intensity of an encounter that could've been avoided (by splitting town or staying in doors like everybody else, or, in Jesus's case, walking around Samaria). Coincidently, the Sheriff played by Gary Cooper has just gotten married. And completely off the subject: I hadn't seen this since I was a kid and what struck me this time was the role of religion in this exploration of the ethics of killing. And especially the impotent preacher, quite useless in this town crisis.
pHil
I really come late at this! I am starting with the "Dennis the Menace" comic strip where he calls out that he wants a glass of water. When his dad brings it, he takes a sip and spits it out and says, "That is bathroom water! I wanted kitchen water!"
God wants us to have the BEST water, the living water! Do any of us want to drink stale water? Would we drink water left in a glass on the table from yesterday? Jesus is fresh, new as living water each day!
I give my pets fresh water several times a day. Doesn't God refresh us too? He does not want us to become stagnant, and yet, that is what happens to many Christians! We need to come to the well of living water and drink deeply, often. The Charge
Another thought for the sermon (if anyone is still reading this eleventh hour before preaching time) is how many are like the disciples who prefer not to take the road through Samarita...including many pastors wanting safe, predictable appointments. Yet, it's in the Samaritas of life that we encounter the One Who offers eternal life. Peace, Francis
Well, for what it's worth, done at 10:50 p.m. on Saturday night, here is tomorrow's (Sunday, Lent 3A, 3-3-02) sermon:
http://www.stfrancis-ks.org/subpages/asermons/lent-3-a-rcl-2002.htm
Blessings, Eric in KS
Sorry to have to ask this but I am at the end of rope! Well not at the exact end. Does anyone know what hymn the words "Sing hosanna sing hosanna sing hosanna to the King of Kings" belongs to?Nancy-WI
I stumbled upon this site in a search for a map showing the location of Sychar. I can't help but find all of the old testament stories fulfilled in Christ, and this little segment is no different. John the Baptist has just identified Jesus as the one on who to believe in order to have everlasting life, and then Jesus leaves Judaea (and the Pharisees who realize that he is baptizing more than John) and on his journey through Samaria comes to Sychar, which is either the same place as Shechem or else nearby. Shechem is where Joshua challenged Israel to fear and serve the Lord and then tells them they can't serve the Lord for he is holy. The Pharisees are proud of their service to God. Jesus goes to the very place where Joshua had challenged them to serve the Lord. He is showing the fulfillment of the challenge at Shechem in His own person. Our efforts are vain. In Him alone is there life.