Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. It's part of John's gospel that is often talked about. However, here's a different view of it. Sure, it's important to show that the "living water" that Jesus offered was about salvation and the next life. But what if we look at it from the point of view of the Great Commission? Not just as we're to spread the word to all nations. But as an example or template of how to go about spreading the gospel?
Notice the word on the chalkboard. "Feedback".
It seems like when we spread the gospel, we tend to want to talk.
Just keep saying the nice "churchy" words, and people will get the message.
They'll say the so-called sinners' prayer - which doesn't exist - and be saved.
Not.
Summary
Uses a Great Commission perspective to discuss Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman as a template for spreading the gospel, emphasizing personal engagement and feedback rather than just preaching.
Dialogue Approach: Highlights Jesus’ conversational method, where he responds to the woman based on her comments, rather than starting with a direct salvation message.
Discipleship Focus: Points out that the Great Commission is about making disciples and teaching obedience, rather than just reciting a sinner’s prayer.
Inclusivity of the Gospel: Discusses the Greek word for “nations” in the Great Commission, indicating it refers to all groups of people, not just one’s own nation.
Jewish Perspective: Discusses the Jewish perspectives on physical contact and its implications and contrasts that with Jesus' interactions with the Samaritan woman.
Conclusion - It presents a unique perspective on the biblical account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, emphasizing the practical application of the Great Commission rather than the traditional focus on salvation. It suggests that Jesus’ approach to sharing the gospel serves as a template for modern evangelism, highlighting the importance of dialogue and personal interaction. The article also delves into the historical and cultural context of the Jewish-Samaritan relationship, providing insights into the depth of animosity and the significance of Jesus’ actions. Overall, it encourages Christians to re-evaluate their methods of discipleship and evangelism to align more closely with Jesus’ example of teaching and living out the truth.
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman - does Jesus know how to do the Great Commission?
If we read the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman as an example of Jesus spreading the gospel, we'll notice something. He doesn't even start by telling her that He's going to save her soul. Or by asking about her soul. Nothing like that at all.
He asks for a drink of water. And then, nearly everything that follows is feedback from Jesus to the woman, based on what she said. The only exception is when Jesus takes a sharp turn from the path of the conversation and asks her to get her husband and come back with him.
Surely, this isn't a good way to spread the word, is it? Aren't we supposed to ask something like, do you know where you're going when you die? Or, is something missing in your life? Maybe, will you see your loved ones after you die? How about, you're going to Hell if you don't say that sinners prayer thing? But Jesus didn't do any of those things. He asked for some water.
What is the Great Commission?
Just to be sure we're on the same page, let's look at the Great Commission.
The Great Commission
Mt 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
First of all, notice that Jesus told us to make disciples, not to get people to say a sinners prayer. That discipling thing also included teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Often times, that's a far cry from what we actually do. Please see The Great Omission from The Great Commission for more on that.
Jesus also said this command was for people of all nations. Not just our "nation". Actually, the Greek word in the passage has nothing to do with a nation / country. Here's what it's actually about.
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