What happened with Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well? CQ Kids

One day, Jesus and his disciples were passing through the land of Samaria. Jesus stopped to rest at a water well while his disciples went to a nearby village to buy food. Around noon, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her for some water. “She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” (John 4:9, NLT)

She was surprised because:

The Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other - they were not friends.

According to the culture, a teacher like Jesus wouldn’t be speaking to a woman in public.

In those times, giving and receiving water or food indicated a good relationship.

What a strange situation!

Instead of answering her question, Jesus directed her to something more important. In the Bible, water often symbolizes truth. Using picture language, Jesus told the woman about special “living water,” by which he meant the Gospel message, the truth of God’s word that cleanses, refreshes and, if believed and followed, can lead one to eternal life. Jesus is like a fountain from whom the true word of God flows, so the only way to get this “living water” is by following Jesus.

Because he knew secret things about the woman’s sinful life, she guessed he was a prophet. Jesus revealed to her something far better: he was the MESSIAH that believers had been waiting for! (See John 4:26) In spite of her sins, Jesus listened to her, responded, and taught her with compassion and love.

Excited, the woman left her water jar and ran to the village