Lesson 5.The Testimony of the Samaritans
A simple testimony that moves hearts and overcomes barriers
In Lesson 5, we experience one of the most remarkable encounters in the New Testament—the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This encounter, which transcends all social and cultural boundaries, demonstrates how Jesus offers His unconditional love and salvation to every person, regardless of origin, status, or past. By bringing her personal story to light and offering her the “living water,” Jesus shows that true fulfillment lies only in a relationship with God.
From this encounter develops a powerful testimony: The woman, who was previously isolated in her community, becomes the first witness for Jesus and changes the lives of many people in her town. The story reminds us that our own testimony—even if it may seem small to us—can unleash transformative power. Lesson 5 calls us to speak boldly and authentically about our own encounter with Jesus and invite others to experience His healing and renewing presence.
5.1 The Setting of the Encounter
The Road through Samaria: Jesus’ Mission Beyond Cultural Barriers Formularende
Read John 4:1–4. What was the reason Jesus traveled through Samaria?
In John 4:1–4, it becomes clear that Jesus decided to travel through Samaria for a specific reason. The Pharisees noticed that Jesus’ disciples were baptizing more people than John the Baptist’s disciples. This realization could lead to tensions, as John’s followers viewed their master as the central figure and were concerned about his status (see John 3:26–30). However, John himself responded in a remarkable way, recognizing that he must decrease so that Jesus could increase (John 3:30). To avoid potential conflicts, Jesus decided to leave Judea and go to Galilee.
The direct route led through Samaria, a region that most believing Jews avoided. Instead, they often took the longer route via Peræa to avoid contact with the Samaritans. But Jesus consciously chose the way through Samaria, showing that He had a special mission and intention in that region. Jesus’ choice of route not only reveals His willingness to engage and include but also His determination to overcome barriers and proclaim the Gospel regardless of cultural or religious prejudices. His journey through Samaria already demonstrates the testimony that He will later give through His encounter with the Samaritan woman.
Read John 4:5–9. How did Jesus use this opportunity to start a conversation with the woman at the well?
The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well near Sychar is remarkable in many ways. Jesus, a Jewish man and teacher, asked a Samaritan woman for a drink of water. This simple act breaks several societal and religious norms. Jews and Samaritans had a long history of hostility, and it was unusual for a Jewish man to speak publicly with a woman, especially a Samaritan woman.
The circumstances of this meeting are also significant. The woman came at noon, the hottest hour of the day, to draw water—an unusual time, as most women came early in the morning or in the evening when it was cooler. This timing suggests that she may have been socially isolated and avoided contact with others. Whatever the reason for her arrival at that time, her encounter with Jesus was to profoundly change her life.
By asking her for water, Jesus initiates a conversation in a simple, everyday manner that is also profound. He places Himself in a position of need, which gives the woman the opportunity to give Him something—a chance for humanity and openness. In this gesture, Jesus shows that He is not only seeking physical water but that this encounter is a symbol of deeper spiritual needs and the “living water” He will soon offer her.
The setting is rich in symbolism: a Jewish teacher and a Samaritan woman with a questionable reputation meet at the well. This contrast between their social and religious backgrounds sets the stage for a transformative encounter that will not only touch the woman’s life but also convey a deeper message about Jesus’ boundless love and acceptance.
What Taboo Exists in Your Culture That Could Hinder Your Testimony to Others? How Can We Learn to Overcome It? Discuss on the Sabbath.
Taboos that exist in our culture can often hinder our ability to give an authentic and open testimony to others. These taboos vary depending on cultural and social contexts, but some common examples include:
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Avoiding Faith Conversations: In many cultures, it is considered inappropriate to talk about religion or personal faith, especially in public or mixed groups. The fear of offending others or getting into conflicts can lead people to not openly share their beliefs, even if they could help or inspire someone.
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Prejudices Against Certain Social Groups: Prejudices or fixed notions about certain social or ethnic groups can also be an obstacle. If these prejudices remain unconscious, they can prevent us from approaching certain people with openness and empathy.
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Fear of Social Rejection: It is often taboo to act against societal consensus or to be “different.” This fear can lead people to not speak openly about their faith or to actively support it, so as not to be socially isolated.
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Maintaining Individual Distance: In some cultures, it is considered impolite to ask personal questions or to get close to others, which can make sharing faith experiences difficult. People prefer to discuss superficial topics without giving deeper insights into their own lives or faith.
How Can We Learn to Overcome These Taboos?
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Practice Empathy and Listening: To overcome cultural barriers, it is important to develop an attitude of empathy and listen to people before we speak ourselves. This helps us better understand their perspective and find a way that brings us closer together.
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Speak Gently and Respectfully About Faith: When we talk about our faith sensitively and respectfully, we can break taboos without hurting the other person’s culture. Instead of being intrusive, we can share experiences and stories that present faith in an accessible and understandable way.
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Be a Role Model: Often, our testimony is strongest through our behavior and actions. A life that reflects the values and principles of faith can be inspiring and break down barriers without us having to explicitly talk about faith.
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Seek Support in the Community: When we talk with other believers about these challenges and encourage each other, it helps us live our faith more authentically in everyday life. Sabbath discussions provide a valuable opportunity to share experiences and find solutions to break taboos in our cultures.
These points could serve as a basis for discussion on the Sabbath, to consider how we can personally and collectively contribute to overcoming cultural barriers and sharing our faith boldly and lovingly.
Jesus’ journey through Samaria and His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well show us how we can live our faith authentically in our daily lives, even when there are cultural barriers. This story teaches us two essential principles that are also relevant for our lives and faith journey today:
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Live Boundless Love and Inclusion: Jesus consciously chose to travel through Samaria, a region that most Jews avoided because they feared cultural and religious differences. By choosing this path, He shows us that God’s love includes all people, regardless of origin, status, or societal expectations. In our daily lives, this means that we should be willing to approach people who may have a different culture, belief, or way of life. Like Jesus, we can learn to seek encounters across cultural boundaries based on openness and empathy, thereby conveying faith through our actions.
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Demonstrate Faith in Everyday Situations: Jesus’ request for water was a simple, everyday action, yet it led to a profound conversation about faith and life. This scene reminds us that our testimony often comes through small, everyday moments. In daily life, we can similarly find opportunities to show our faith through kindness, helpfulness, and authentic conversations without being intrusive. When we act consciously and with an open heart, even ordinary encounters can become significant moments where our counterpart experiences a glimpse of God’s love.
How Do We Overcome Cultural Taboos?
Our daily lives are often shaped by societal norms that deem conversations about faith or spiritual topics as inappropriate. However, Jesus’ example teaches us that there are ways to overcome these taboos without pressuring anyone or violating societal boundaries. By practicing empathy, communicating our values gently and respectfully, and demonstrating through our actions, we can reach people without forcing words. These steps encourage us to live the Gospel daily and be a testimony through authentic actions.
Discussion on the Sabbath: The Sabbath offers us the chance to encourage one another and share experiences about how we handle cultural barriers in everyday life. Through such conversations, we recognize that we are not alone and learn from each other how to boldly and lovingly convey Jesus’ message.
Every small act of kindness can be a light that brightens someone else’s day.
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