John 4 - NIV Bible Study Commentary

In ch. 4 John continues his explication of Jesus’ teaching on the Spirit. The central theme is the “living water” (v.10) that gives eternal life (v.14). The Samaritan woman could only understand Jesus in the context of the well of water from which Jacob drank. But Jesus reminded her that “everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again” (v.13). If she wanted the water Jesus offered, she must set straight her deeds before God (cf. v.18). Jesus raised the issue of eternal life to the level of the woman’s behavior. The author no doubt intended this to illustrate Jesus’ words in the previous chapter: “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” and “their deeds will be exposed” (3:20 - 21). When the woman came to Jesus, her deeds were exposed. Only then could she receive the living water.

The woman’s question on the dispute between the Jews and the Samaritans concerning the place of worship (4:19 - 20) provided a context for raising again the idea of spiritual worship: “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (v.23). Just as Jacob’s well could not quench thirst forever, a physical temple could not provide lasting worship.

When the disciples raised a similar question about Jesus’ need for physical food, Jesus told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about” (v.32). His disciples were perplexed. “ ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work’ ” (v.34). The readers know Jesus was referring to his death (19:30) and resurrection, the work he did finish.

John concludes this section with an account of many Samaritans coming to faith in Jesus (4:39 - 42). Thus Jesus was recognized as more than the Redeemer of Israel; he was “the Savior of the world” (v.42). This is further demonstrated in vv.43 - 54, where Jesus, a prophet without honor “in his own country,” healed the son of a Gentile official.