John 4 - NIV God’s Justice Bible

4:1–42 The Despised Are Included The dialogue between Jesus and the anonymous Samaritan woman opens the door for God’s love to reach those marginalized by gender discrimination, cultural restrictions, religious differences and historical conflict. She is a woman of questionable standing from all of these perspectives. Now she becomes part of Jesus’ mission. While Jesus’ own disciples are reluctant to embrace the moment, the despised Samaritans respond with faith in the Savior of the world (v. 42).

4:43–53 Faith in the Fringes This anguished father lives on the margins of strict Judaism. He may not be a Gentile, but he works for Herod Antipas, a figure backed by Rome. Like the Samaritans, he is included in Jesus’ mission, and like them demonstrates a genuine faith (v. 53). All people everywhere have the right to be children of God (1:12).