The Testimony of the Samaritans – Outline

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The Testimony of the Samaritans

- OVERVIEW

This week, we’ll learn about the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Despite the cultural tensions between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus showed His love and acceptance, leading to many Samaritans believing in Him. This lesson teaches us about breaking down barriers and sharing the gospel with all people.

- SATURDAY – Introduction

- Memory Text

John 4:42

KJV 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

CEV 42 They told the woman, “We no longer have faith in Jesus just because of what you told us. We have heard him ourselves, and we are certain that he is the Savior of the world!”

T T S T T W
N W B
N B O W Y S
F W O H H H
A W K T T I I T C
T S O T W

- Lesson

The Samaritans were people from the northern kingdom of Israel who had been mixed with other nations by the Assyrians. They practiced a form of Judaism but were often at odds with the Jews. They even built their own temple, which was later destroyed by a Jewish leader. By the time of Jesus, the animosity between Jews and Samaritans remained strong, and most Jews avoided any interaction with them.

In this context, Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and had a life-changing conversation with her. Despite the cultural differences, Jesus showed His love to the Samaritans, and many of them believed in Him as the Savior.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus came to break down barriers between people. His love was for all, whether Jew or Samaritan. Jesus’ mission was to reveal the Father’s love and to invite all people to worship God in spirit and truth.

- Conclusion

Jesus showed that His love and the gospel are for everyone, no matter where they come from. His conversation with the Samaritan woman teaches us to love all people.

- Reflection

Why did the Jews and Samaritans have such a tense relationship?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How did Jesus show love to the Samaritans despite these tensions?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Setting of the Encounter

- Lesson

Read John 4:1-4

KJV 1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

CEV 1 Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that he was winning and baptizing more followers than John was. 2 But Jesus' disciples were really the ones doing the baptizing, and not Jesus himself. 3 Jesus left Judea and started for Galilee again. 4 This time he had to go through Samaria,

Jesus was aware that the Pharisees had noticed how His disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptist. To avoid any potential conflict, He decided to leave Judea and head to Galilee. Normally, Jews avoided Samaria, but Jesus went straight through, showing that He had a divine purpose in this journey.

Read John 4:5-9

KJV 5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.

CEV 5 and on his way he came to the town of Sychar. It was near the field that Jacob had long ago given to his son Joseph. 6-8 The well that Jacob had dug was still there, and Jesus sat down beside it because he was tired from traveling. It was noon, and after Jesus' disciples had gone into town to buy some food, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her, “Would you please give me a drink of water?” 9 “You are a Jew,” she replied, “and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink of water when Jews and Samaritans won't have anything to do with each other?”

At Jacob's well, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman and asks her for water. This shocks the woman because Jews and Samaritans did not usually interact. However, Jesus uses this opportunity to engage her in a life-changing conversation about the "living water."

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus didn’t let cultural differences or taboos stop Him from reaching out to people. He treated everyone with kindness and respect, showing that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or status.

- Conclusion

Jesus used the simple act of asking for water to open the door for a spiritual conversation. He shows that every encounter can be an opportunity to share the gospel.

- Reflection

Why did Jesus go through Samaria, even though most Jews avoided it?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we use ordinary moments to share the gospel like Jesus did?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – The Woman at the Well

- Lesson

Read John 4:7-15

KJV 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

CEV 6-8 The well that Jacob had dug was still there, and Jesus sat down beside it because he was tired from traveling. It was noon, and after Jesus' disciples had gone into town to buy some food, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well. Jesus asked her, “Would you please give me a drink of water?” 9 “You are a Jew,” she replied, “and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink of water when Jews and Samaritans won't have anything to do with each other?” 10 Jesus answered, “You don't know what God wants to give you, and you don't know who is asking you for a drink. If you did, you would ask me for the water that gives life.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you don't even have a bucket, and the well is deep. Where are you going to get this life-giving water? 12 Our ancestor Jacob dug this well for us, and his family and animals got water from it. Are you greater than Jacob?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again. 14 But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give will become in that person a flowing fountain that gives eternal life.” 15 The woman replied, “Sir, please give me a drink of that water! Then I won't get thirsty and have to come to this well again.”

When the Samaritan woman comes to draw water, Jesus asks her for a drink. She is surprised, as Jews don’t usually interact with Samaritans. Jesus then tells her that if she knew who He was, she would have asked Him for “living water” that leads to eternal life. The woman, confused, wonders how Jesus could offer water without a bucket to draw from the well.

Water is essential for life, but Jesus is offering something even greater—a spiritual life that will never fade. He compares this living water to eternal life, which will spring up within the person who receives it.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus’ offer of living water represents His grace and the gift of eternal life. This gift satisfies the deepest needs of the human soul and leads to a life full of joy and peace.

- Conclusion

Jesus uses the symbol of water to explain the spiritual life He offers. The woman doesn’t fully understand at first, but Jesus is leading her to a greater truth.

- Reflection

What is the “living water” that Jesus offers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ offer of living water change the way we view our spiritual needs?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – "Sir, Give Me This Water"

- Lesson

Read John 4:16

KJV 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.

CEV 16 Jesus told her, “Go and bring your husband.”

Jesus tells the woman to call her husband, revealing that He knows about her personal life. The woman realizes that Jesus knows more than any ordinary person. She asks Him for the living water so that she will never be thirsty again. However, she is still thinking in physical terms, not understanding that Jesus is offering her eternal life.

Read Ezekiel 36:25-27

KJV 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

CEV 25 I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you unclean, and I will remove your disgusting idols. 26 I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts, 27 because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings.

. This Old Testament passage speaks about spiritual cleansing and the gift of a new heart. Jesus is offering the woman—and all of us—a new life through His Spirit.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that before we can receive the gift of salvation, we must recognize our need for it. Jesus lovingly shows the Samaritan woman that she needs a Savior, and He offers her the gift of eternal life.

- Conclusion

Jesus helps the woman see that He knows her heart and her life. She is beginning to understand that Jesus is offering her more than just water—He is offering eternal life.

- Reflection

What does Ezekiel 36:25-27

KJV 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

CEV 25 I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you unclean, and I will remove your disgusting idols. 26 I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts, 27 because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings.

teach us about the new life Jesus offers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus help the woman see her need for a Savior?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – The Revelation of Jesus

- Lesson

Read John 4:16-24

KJV 16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. 19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

CEV 16 Jesus told her, “Go and bring your husband.” 17-18 The woman answered, “I don't have a husband.” “That's right,” Jesus replied, “you're telling the truth. You don't have a husband. You have already been married five times, and the man you are now living with isn't your husband.” 19 The woman said, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. 20 My ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say Jerusalem is the only place to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her: Believe me, the time is coming when you won't worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans don't really know the one you worship. But we Jews do know the God we worship, and by using us, God will save the world. 23 But a time is coming, and it is already here! Even now the true worshipers are being led by the Spirit to worship the Father according to the truth. These are the ones the Father is seeking to worship him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth.

Jesus tells the woman to call her husband, which leads to a conversation about her personal life. The woman then brings up the issue of worship, asking where the true place of worship is. Jesus responds that true worship isn’t about a place but about worshiping God in spirit and truth.

Read John 4:25-26

KJV 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

CEV 25 The woman said, “I know that the Messiah will come. He is the one we call Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 “I am that one,” Jesus told her, “and I am speaking to you now.”

Finally, Jesus reveals to the woman that He is the Messiah. This is the first time in the Gospels that Jesus directly tells someone that He is the Messiah.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that Jesus came to break down barriers between people. His conversation with the Samaritan woman shows that the gospel is for everyone, no matter their background or past.

- Conclusion

Jesus openly reveals to the Samaritan woman that He is the Messiah. This moment is a turning point for her, and she believes in Him.

- Reflection

Why is it significant that Jesus revealed His identity to the Samaritan woman?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we worship God in spirit and in truth today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – The Testimony of the Samaritans

- Lesson

Read John 4:27-29

KJV 27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?

CEV 27 The disciples returned about this time and were surprised to find Jesus talking with a woman. But none of them asked him what he wanted or why he was talking with her. 28 The woman left her water jar and ran back into town, where she said to the people, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! Could he be the Messiah?”

After her encounter with Jesus, the woman leaves her water jar and rushes to the town to tell others about Him. Her testimony is simple: “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

Read John 4:30-42

KJV 30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. 40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

CEV 30 Everyone in town went out to see Jesus. 31 While this was happening, Jesus' disciples were saying to him, “Teacher, please eat something.” 32 But Jesus told them, “I have food you don't know anything about.” 33 His disciples started asking each other, “Has someone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said: My food is to do what God wants! He is the one who sent me, and I must finish the work that he gave me to do. 35 You may say there are still four months until harvest time. But I tell you to look, and you will see that the fields are ripe and ready to harvest. 36 Even now the harvest workers are receiving their reward by gathering a harvest that brings eternal life. Then everyone who planted the seed and everyone who harvests the crop will celebrate together. 37 So the saying proves true, “Some plant the seed, and others harvest the crop.” 38 I am sending you to harvest crops in fields where others have done all the hard work. 39 A lot of Samaritans in that town put their faith in Jesus because the woman had said, “This man told me everything I have ever done.” 40 They came and asked him to stay in their town, and he stayed on for two days. 41 Many more Samaritans put their faith in Jesus because of what they heard him say. 42 They told the woman, “We no longer have faith in Jesus just because of what you told us. We have heard him ourselves, and we are certain that he is the Savior of the world!”

The people of the town come to see Jesus, and many of them believe because of the woman’s testimony. But after hearing Jesus for themselves, they believe even more strongly, recognizing Him as the Savior of the world.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Samaritan woman became a more effective missionary than even the disciples. Her testimony led many people to Jesus, showing the power of sharing our personal experience with others.

- Conclusion

The woman’s simple testimony brought many people to Jesus. Her story reminds us that sharing our own experiences with Jesus can help others believe in Him.

- Reflection

How did the Samaritan woman’s testimony lead others to Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can your personal testimony help others believe in Jesus?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

The story of the Samaritan woman shows us the power of a personal testimony. She didn’t have all the answers, but she shared what she knew about Jesus, and it led many people to believe. We also see how Jesus breaks down barriers between people, showing that the gospel is for everyone, no matter their background.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that everyone who receives the “living water” of Jesus becomes a missionary. When we experience the grace of Christ, it naturally overflows into sharing it with others.

- Conclusion

The Samaritan woman’s testimony teaches us that even a simple story about Jesus can have a powerful impact. We are all called to share the good news about what Jesus has done in our lives.

- Reflection

How can we share our faith with others, like the Samaritan woman did?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does the story of the Samaritan woman teach us about breaking down barriers?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What can we learn from the Samaritan woman’s willingness to share her testimony?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How does Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman challenge us to break down barriers in our own lives?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

The Testimony of the Samaritans

This week, we learned how Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman, despite the cultural barriers between Jews and Samaritans. Her testimony led many people in her town to believe in Jesus. This story teaches us the power of sharing our personal experience with Jesus and reminds us that the gospel is for everyone, no matter their background.