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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

CHAPTER FOUR:
SAMARITAN HARVEST AND TRUE WORSHIP

[“Spirit and Truth”]
Key Word: Truth

John 4:1-6 – Jesus at a Samaritan Well

JN4:1 Now when the Master 197 realized that the Pharisees heard Jesus was making more disciples and baptizing them than John –

197	The Master: A designation for Jesus used often by John and the disciples. [John 6:23; 11:2; 20:2, 18, 20, 25; 21:7, 12] Matthew uses it only at Matthew 21:3 while Luke uses it over 20 times.

JN4:2 though Jesus did not actually baptize [others] 198 but his disciples did –

198	Though Jesus did not actually baptize [others]: Had he baptized other it would likely create an unnecessary rift between those so baptized and those baptized by others. Compare the example in 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4.

JN4:3 he left the area of Judea and he returned into the land of Galilee. 199

199	He returned into the land of Galilee: Another multi-day walk of nearly 100 miles in the increasing sun of a Palestinian spring.

JN4:4 However, it was necessary that he cross through the land of Samaria. 200

200

Cross through the land of Samaria: The major location of the northern ten-tribes of Israel with its capitol at Samaria. This territory was off base to Jesus’ disciples. [Matthew 10:5, 6] The place is mentioned once more in John 8:48. Compare Luke 10:33; 17:11, 16; Acts 1:8; 8:1, 4. There was considerable animosity between Jews and their distant religious kinsmen.

JN4:5 Therefore, when he arrived in a town of Samaria called Sychar 201 – near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph 202 -

201	Sychar: Some have Shechem. Compare also Joshua 24:32. This is the only occurrence of the place name.

202	Near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph: Compare Genesis 33:19 and Genesis 48:22. The Bible generally identifies a place name or time with great care and cross-referencing to authenticate the reality. Many of these have been identified in Biblical archaeology.

JN4:6 where there was Jacob’s Fountain 203 – Jesus was tired from the journey 204 and he sat down on the fountain. 205 It was about noon. 206

203	Jacob’s Fountain: Wells were often deep with some steps descending below ground. It was a cool place with some shade. Here in order to drink one needed a water jar with a line for lowering to the cool waters below.

204

Jesus was tired from the journey: He has just walked a considerable distance, likely speaking with his disciples and others as he journeyed. It is spring and already quite warm in this part of the world. The Creator, God, does “not tire out or grow weary.” [Isaiah 40:28] Jesus the Nazarene is a human being with his own limitations. [Compare also Mark 6:31.]

205	He sat down on the fountain: Probably the rocks around the well, though he could not reach the water.

206	It was about noon: It was very warm by now. Spring is a beautiful moment in Israel with multitudes of birds in route north, flowers abloom in the desert and patches of green on the hills. No doubt this water was still very cool from the spring ground water.

John 4:7-15 – A Samaritan Woman and Living Water

JN4:7 A Samaritan woman approached to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 207

207	Give me a drink: He did not have the water-jar with the necessary line for lowering.

JN4:8 (For his disciples had gone into the town in order to buy some food. 208)

208	Disciples had gone into the town in order to buy some food: They carried money and would be returning with food for a noon meal by the well.

JN4:9 Now the Samaritan woman responded to Jesus: “Why is that you ask me a Samaritan woman for a drink when you are a Jew?” 209 (For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.) 210

209	Why is that you ask me a Samaritan woman for a drink when you are a Jew: She recognizes him physically as a Jew. Her question demonstrates the degree of dislike between the Samaritans and Jews.

210	For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans: Or, no dealings with, do not associate with, do not use vessels in common. Compare Ezra 4:3 and Acts 10:28.

JN4:10 Jesus answered and said to her: “If you had any idea about the free gift of The God, 211 and who the person is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ no doubt you would ask him and it is very likely he would give you Living Water.” 212

211	If you had any idea about the free gift of The God: Or, what it is God gives, the generosity of God. [Ephesians 2:8]

212	He would give you Living Water: It is possible Jesus echoes Jeremiah 2:13. See the notes on John 7:37. [Isaiah 12:3; Zechariah 13:1; 14:8]

JN4:11 She said to him: “Sir, 213 you have no way of drawing [up water] because the well is so deep. So, from where do you have this Living Water?

213	Sir: Or, Lord. She does not know who Jesus is. Some cultures and languages address others with respect as in “Sir,” or “Senor.” Indeed, Spanish versions here use “Senor.”

JN4:12 Are you are greater than our father Jacob? 214 [He] gave us this well and from it he drank, also his sons and his flocks.”

214	Are you are greater than our father Jacob: Note John 8:53 and a similar question from the Jews. [Matthew 12:41; Luke 11:31]

JN4:13 Jesus answered her: “Everyone drinking from this water will become thirsty again. JN4:14 But those likely to drink from the Water that I shall give will never get thirsty throughout all periods of time. 215 Because the Water I will give will become an inner water fountain, bubbling up unto endless life.” 216

215	Will never get thirsty throughout all periods of time: Or, shall never thirst again. Compare notes on John 6:35 and John 7:38. The Greek is EIS TON AIONA, or “into the Age,” “into future periods of time.”

216	Become an inner water fountain, bubbling up unto endless life: Or, KJV: a well of water springing up into everlasting life; RSV: eternal life.

JN4:15 Now facing toward Jesus the woman said: “Sir, give me this Water so that I may never get thirsty again. Then I will never have to come here again to draw water.”

John 4:16-26 – True Worship in Spirit and Truth

JN4:16 Jesus said to her: “Go call your husband to come here.” 217

217	Go call your husband to come here: A response she did not expect and we can see a startled, puzzled look on her face as she examines Jesus more closely.

JN4:17 The woman answered and said to him: “I do not have a husband.” Jesus told her: “You spoke well in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ JN4:18 For you have had five husbands, and now the man you have is not your husband. 218 You spoke truthfully.”

218	Now the man you have is not your husband: It is interesting that Jesus does not rebuke her for this, nor does he tell as he does others, “Go and sin no more.” In Israel such was not a sin against the Law, and this is Samaria where attitudes may be quite different.

JN4:19 The woman said to him: “I see that you are a prophet! 219

219

I see that you are a prophet: She understands that the word “prophet” is not always someone who foretells something. Here Jesus has told her something a stranger cannot know. This is an example of supernatural “knowledge.” Compare that charismatic gift in 1 Corinthians 12:7. Compare notes on John 9:17. [Luke 7:16, 39]

JN4:20 Our forefathers worshipped in this mountain, 220 but you [Jews] say that the place where it is necessary to worship is in Jerusalem.” 221

220	Our forefathers worshipped in this mountain: Compare 2 Kings 17:29; 23:19, 20.

221	The place where it is necessary to worship is in Jerusalem: Compare Deuteronomy 12:5 and Psalm 122.

JN4:21 Jesus told her: “Believe me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you people [render] worship to the Father. JN4:22 You [Samaritans] are worshipping that which you do not know. 222 We [Jews] are worshipping what we know, 223 because salvation is of the Jews. 224

222	You [Samaritans] are worshipping that which you do not know: Samaritans were a conglomeration of different nations with a variety of gods. [2 Kings 17:29, 33]

223	We [Jews] are worshipping what we know: The Hebrews, and then the Jews, benefited from a form of worship revealed by God. [Exodus 3:13-16; 6:3]

224	Because salvation is of the Jews: Or, originates with. The word “salvation” occurs more than 200 times in the Hebrew Bible, 80 times in the Psalms and 30 times in Isaiah. The Nazarene’s name “Jesus” means “Yehowah is Salvation.”

JN4:23 But, an hour is coming, and is now [here], when the True Worshippers 225 will [render] worship to the Father spiritually and in harmony with Truth, 226 because the Father is searching for such persons to worship Him. 227

225	True Worshippers: Or, genuine, real. Implying there are false worshippers.

226	Will [render] worship to the Father spiritually and in harmony with Truth: Or, in spirit and truth; in reality, in the true way. As opposed to Mark 7:7. [Compare John 14:1; 17:17]

227	The Father is searching for such persons to worship Him: Or, looking for, seeking. Compare Acts 17:26, 27. [2 Chronicles 16:9]

JN4:24 The God [is] Pneuma, 228 and those worshipping Him must of necessity worship spiritually and in harmony with Truth.” 229

228

The God [is] Pneuma: Or, KJV: God is a spirit; ABU: God is Spirit. It may be, God is spiritual and those who worship Him must do so spiritually. Jesus reveals God’s nature or main characteristic – He is not human or earthly, but an invisible Being who can exert a force on others. Compare Paul’s contrast of the soul-like with the spirit-like in 1 Corinthians 15.

229

Worship spiritually and in harmony with Truth: Or, spirit and truth. That is, true worship of God is not dependent on any material or physical place or thing in contrast to the nations and their worship of demons. It needs no candles, prayer beads, incense, music or a material temple. It needs no clerical hierarchy. True worship must be in harmony with Biblical truth. [John 17:17]

JN4:25 The woman said to him: “I know that Messiah is coming, the One called Christ. 230 Whenever that person should arrive, he will proclaim everything to us.” 231

230

I know that Messiah is coming, the One called Christ: This is revealing regarding the Samaritans, for shortly after Pentecost Peter used the second of the “keys of the kingdom” with regard to the Samaritans. [Acts 8:1, 4-8, 14-17] This was about three years later. We wonder how much this single meeting of the Nazarene influenced the work in Samaria.

231

He will proclaim everything to us: Whether she anticipates the immediate appearance in her life is not clear, but she clearly has given some thought to it. Surely when she says “us” she means the hated Samaritans. She may know of Moses’ prophecy regarding the coming of the great Prophet like him. [Deuteronomy 18:15-19] This Prophet would have Yehowah’s “words in his mouth.”

JN4:26 Jesus said to her: “I am that person, speaking to you!” 232

232

I am that person, speaking to you: Or, KJV: I that speak unto thee am he; NOR: I am He – I, who am talking to you! The Apostle John puts the words EGO EIMI in the Hebrew mouth of Jesus. This expression will appear in a slightly different form in John 8:58 and has become the basis for certain Trinitarian claims. See the notes on John 8:58 and further details in Error of the Trinity in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Jesus is stating in an indirect way that he is the Messiah she is looking for. We would love to see the expression on her face, but we must only imagine the next few minutes.

John 4:27-30 – Disciples Wonder and the Woman’s Question

JN4:27 Now about this time the disciples of Jesus returned, 233 and they were wondering because he was speaking with a woman. 234 Of course, no one asked: 235 “What do you want?” Or, “Why are you speaking with her?”

233	The disciples of Jesus returned: We see them returning in their small crowd under the high hot sun with parcel bags of food. As they draw close they see the Nazarene with a woman. Some rabbis did not speak to women publicly, particularly a Samaritan woman.

234

Because he was speaking with a woman: This is yet early in Jesus’ ministry. It tells us here that Jesus did not regularly speak to women other wise it would not have come as a surprise to his disciples. They do not yet know this man who will go on to speak to many women in contrast with other Jewish rabbis.

235	Of course, no one asked: That is, to the woman, “What do you want?” Or, dare they say to Jesus, “Why are you talking to her?” But they thought it, John reveals. Perhaps he thought it himself.

JN4:28 Therefore, the woman departed with her water jar. 236 She left and went into the town and began telling other persons: 237

236

The woman departed with her water jar: Women generally did this work of gathering water. It is the unusual sign of a man carrying a water jar that will identify the person who will lead to the upper room. [Mark 14:14, 15] We see her walking off toward the town with a joyful movement in her steps. The Apostle John must learn the details of this conversation from Jesus himself, or later from the woman.

237	Began telling other persons: The manifest fruitage that true conviction has occurred. Compare 2 Corinthians 4:12, 13. This simple act of bearing witness is the engine that moves Christianity throughout the ages.

JN4:29 “Come and behold the person who told me everything I did. 238 Is this possibly the Christ?” 239

238	Who told me everything I did: Of course, this is a slight exaggeration, but we can forgive her heightened enthusiasm. No doubt she related the exact details of her recent conversation with the Jewish man at Jacob’s Well.

239	Is this possibly the Christ: Possibly she is sure, but does not know what the reaction of the people will be.

JN4:30 They left the town and approached Jesus.

John 4:31-38 – My Food and a Harvest

JN4:31 At this same time the disciples of Jesus were saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 240

240

Rabbi, eat: We would love to know the contents of this noon meal, obviously it was “fast food” ready to eat. Surely there was bread and possibly wine, and likely olives and figs. See notes above on Rabbi. Jesus has walked a long distance and has now waited in conversation for food. He must be very hungry. It is possible this urging by the disciples is caused by their wondering about his talking to this woman.

JN4:32 However, [Jesus] told them: “I have food to eat about which you do not know.” 241

241

I have food to eat about which you do not know: Jesus’ never misses the slightest opportunity to grab his disciples’ attention and teach them an important teaching. It is also possible this is something of a distraction to get their minds back on important matters, rather than why he was speaking to a woman. In a moment they would soon learn, as Jesus was to further eat this special “food” in this Samaritan village.

JN4:33 Therefore, the disciples were facing one another and asking, “Has someone brought him some food?” 242

242	Has someone brought him some food: We may think this humorous, but had we been there we, too, would wonder what this “food” was. It is a teaching technique that first focuses attention on the subject and then proceeds with the explanation.

JN4:34 Jesus told them: “My food is that I should do the will of the One who sent me, 243 and that I should finish His work. 244

243	My food is that I should do the will of the One who sent me: Or, KJV: my meat. It is clear Jesus believes he was sent by Someone else. The idea that an activity is food or meat persists in modern expressions regarding sports. The Nazarene has not come to do his own will, but that of Another.

244

And that I should finish His work: RHM: complete his work; NAS: accomplish his work. Compare notes on John 5:30, 36; 6:38; 17:4; 19:30. This “work” involved several important matters, including the cultivation of faith in Messiah, and the declaration of God’s Name. Note that God’s will is paralleled with “works.”

JN4:35 Do you not say, ‘It is four months until the harvest comes.’ Behold, I tell all of you, Open your eyes and gaze at the fields. 245 They are white for harvesting.

245

Open your eyes and gaze at the fields: So close to a water source there must have been cultivated fields nearby. However, this was not the time for harvesting wheat, that would occur in the summer. Jesus has in mind other “fields” associated with this “food” and this “work.” See notes on Matthew 9:37 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

JN4:36 The Reaper is already receiving a reward, and is gathering fruit unto endless Life, 246 so that the One sowing may also rejoice together with the One reaping.

246	The Reaper is already receiving a reward, and is gathering fruit unto endless Life: The Samaritan woman was part of this fruitage – a new disciple – and more would follow in the next two days.

JN4:37 For there is truth in the statement: ‘There is one sowing, and there is another one reaping.’ 247

247	There is one sowing, and there is another one reaping: Though it is true God is one sowing, and the Son the one reaping, but Jesus also includes his disciples as reapers in the next phrases. Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 3:8 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

JN4:38 I sent all of you to be reaping where you have not labored. 248 Others have labored and all of you have entered into their labor.” 249

248

I sent all of you to be reaping where you have not labored: It is possible the record in Matthew 10 about sending forth the twelve has already occurred. The spiritual soil of Israel had been under cultivation like a vineyard for a thousand years by the prophets in preparation for the Messiah. Jesus had also labored most recently in these fields. Now his disciples would labor and benefit from the work of others.

249	You have entered into their labor: Or, have inherited, benefit from. [Acts 10:43; 1 Peter 1:12]

John 4:39-42 – Samaritans Believe

JN4:39 Now many of those Samaritans from the town believed 250 in [Jesus] by means of the word of the woman who testified, 251 “He told me all the things I ever did.”

250	Now many of those Samaritans from the town believed: There can be no question John remembers this about three years later when the events of Acts 8:14-17. There must have been some stories told.

251	The word of the woman who testified: The testimony of women was normally rejected. This is what gives the strong ring of truth to the testimony of those women who were first to witness the resurrection of the Lord.

JN4:40 Therefore, the Samaritans approached Jesus and requested him to remain with them, and he stayed there two days. 252

252	He stayed there two days: We can only imagine the day and night-long conversations and good company. Here Jesus violates a long-standing rule of the Jews not to have any dealings with the Samaritans.

JN4:41 And many more believed because of his word JN4:42 than on account of the woman’s report. They told her: “Not through your report alone are we now believing, for we have heard, and we now realize that this person is truly the Savior of the world of humankind.” 253

253

We now realize that this person is truly the Savior of the world of humankind: Or, world. This is the only occurrence of the designation “Savior” in John’s Gospel. [Luke 2:11] Though both The God and His Son receive the title “Savior” – the Holy Spirit never so called – this is not proof of the Trinity, otherwise others would have to be included in The Godhead. [Judge 3:9, 15; 1 Samuel 23:5]

John 4:43-45 – Galileans Receive Jesus

JN4:43 Now, after the two days [Jesus] left there into the land of Galilee. JN4:44 For Jesus testified that a prophet has no honor in his own fatherland. 254

254	Jesus testified that a prophet has no honor in his own fatherland: Or, country, homeland. He probably means Judea where Bethlehem is located. Of all his apostles, only one was from Judea – Judas. The others were all from Galilee.

JN4:45 So, when he arrived into the land of Galilee, the Galileans received him because of having seen everything [Jesus] did in Jerusalem at the festival. For they had just returned from the festival. 255

255	For they had just returned from the festival: There must have been thousands on the road to Jerusalem and the Passover. These people were much devoted to make the near 200 miles round trip to worship in Jerusalem.

John 4:46-54 – “Your Son Lives”

JN4:46 Then, Jesus came again into the [town] of Cana of Galilee where he made the water [into] wine. Now there was a royal person whose son was sick 256 in Capernaum.

256	Some royalty whose son was sick: Or, nobleman, officer; NWT: attendant of the king.

JN4:47 This person had heard 257 that Jesus was arriving from the land of Judea into the land of Galilee. [He] went and approached Jesus and made a request so that [Jesus] would come down [to Capernaum] and heal his son, for the son was near death.

257	This person had heard: News along the road back to Galilee must have spread fast as different persons related what they witnessed in Jerusalem.

JN4:48 Facing toward him Jesus said: “Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe!” 258

258	Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe: Jesus is critical of those who require a sign or miracle before they believe. Compare Paul’s principle in 1 Corinthians 1:22.

JN4:49 The person of royalty said to Jesus: “Master, come down [to Capernaum] before my little boy dies!” JN4:50 Jesus said to him: “Return, your son is alive!” 259 The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and returned [to Capernaum].

259	Return, your son is alive: Or, KNX: thy son is to live; TCN: your son is living. An echo of Elijah. [1 Kings 17:23]

JN4:51 But already on his way down his slaves met him, saying that his boy was alive. JN4:52 So, he inquired of them regarding the hour in which [his son] had improved. They told him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour his fever left him.” JN4:53 Therefore, the father knew that it was in that hour when Jesus said to him, “Your son is alive!” And so he believed – he and his whole household. JN4:54 Now, this was again the second sign 260 Jesus did returning from the land of Judea into the land of Galilee.

260	The second sign: The first the “sign” regarding the Samaritan woman.

Review Questions on Chapter Four