Character Study Of The Samaritan Woman Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN – WOMAN AT THE WELL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 4:1-30

"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." – John 4:14

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 55:1, Revelation 22:17, Jeremiah 2:13, Acts 10:34-35

INTRODUCTION

The Samaritan woman, also known as the woman at the well, had an unexpected encounter with Jesus that transformed her life. She was a woman with a troubled past but became one of the first evangelists of the gospel. Her story teaches about God's grace, true worship, and the power of a personal encounter with Jesus.

1. THE SAMARITAN WOMAN HAD A TROUBLED PAST

a) She had been married multiple times (John 4:16-18)

She had five husbands and was living with a man who was not her husband.

b) She was likely an outcast in her society (John 4:6-7)

She came to the well alone at noon, avoiding others due to shame or rejection.

c) Her lifestyle reflected brokenness (Psalm 34:18)

God draws near to the brokenhearted and offers restoration.

d) Sin often leads to dissatisfaction (Jeremiah 2:13)

She kept seeking fulfilment in relationships but remained empty.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

Like the Samaritan woman, he sought satisfaction in the wrong places but later found true life in God.

2. JESUS BROKE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS

a) Jews and Samaritans did not associate (John 4:9)

Jesus defied cultural norms by speaking to a Samaritan woman.

b) Jesus values all people regardless of their past (Acts 10:34-35)

He showed that salvation is for everyone.

c) Jesus does not reject sinners but calls them to repentance (Luke 5:32)

He meets people where they are and leads them to transformation.

d) God seeks to restore the rejected (Isaiah 1:18)

He offers forgiveness and renewal to all who come to Him.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Like the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus was an outcast, but Jesus changed his life.

3. JESUS OFFERED HER LIVING WATER

a) She was seeking natural water, but Jesus offered eternal life (John 4:10)

She needed more than physical satisfaction—she needed salvation.

b) Only Jesus can satisfy the soul (John 4:13-14)

The water He gives leads to eternal life.

c) She misunderstood Jesus at first (John 4:15)

She thought He was talking about physical water.

d) Many seek satisfaction in temporary things (Isaiah 55:1-2)

But only God can truly fulfil our deepest needs.

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22)

Unlike the Samaritan woman, he refused to accept the offer of true life.

4. TRUE WORSHIP IS IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

a) Worship is not about location but the heart (John 4:23-24)

Jesus revealed that God seeks true worshippers.

b) Worship must be sincere and based on truth (Psalm 145:18)

We must worship in alignment with God's Word.

c) Many people focus on religion instead of relationship (Matthew 15:8-9)

The Samaritan woman initially focused on physical places of worship.

d) Jesus pointed her to the true way of worship (John 4:21-22)

Worship is through Christ, not rituals.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas worshipped in prison (Acts 16:25-26)

True worship is from the heart, not just a physical act.

5. THE SAMARITAN WOMAN BECAME AN EVANGELIST

a) She left her water jar and ran to tell others (John 4:28-29)

Her priorities changed after meeting Jesus.

b) She invited the whole town to meet Jesus (John 4:30)

She became a witness of Christ’s transforming power.

c) Evangelism is for everyone, regardless of their past (Mark 16:15)

God can use anyone to spread His message.

d) Many Samaritans believed because of her testimony (John 4:39-42)

Her story led others to salvation.

e) Biblical Example: The healed demoniac (Mark 5:18-20)

He also became a witness of Jesus’ power.

STRENGTHS OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

a) She was open to spiritual truth (John 4:19-20)

She engaged in a deep conversation with Jesus.

b) She had the courage to share her testimony (John 4:28-29)

She did not keep her encounter with Jesus to herself.

c) She brought many people to Christ (John 4:39-42)

Her testimony led to a great revival in Samaria.

d) She responded to Jesus' call immediately (John 4:28)

She did not delay in spreading the good news.

e) She recognised Jesus as the Messiah (John 4:25-26)

She acknowledged Him as the Saviour.

WEAKNESSES OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

a) She lived a sinful lifestyle before meeting Jesus (John 4:16-18)

Her past was marked by broken relationships.

b) She initially misunderstood spiritual truths (John 4:11-15)

She thought Jesus was talking about physical water.

c) She was focused on religious debates (John 4:20)

She was concerned about worship locations rather than true worship.