John 4 - Africa Study Bible

What Is Most Important? • John 4:1-16

Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well is just the type of situation that has led to many conflicts in Africa. Tensions between different types of people have caused hatred and wars. They still cause problems in our churches.

Jesus was of the tribe of Jews, but the woman was of the tribe of Samaritans. They worshipped in separate holy places. Each thought the other was wrong. Another difference was gender. At that time strict Jewish men avoided conversations with women outside their families. A third is the difference between a rabbi (Jesus) and a person who probably could not read. Still another is social position—the saint and prostitute.

Jesus did not let these differences stop him. He led the conversation to what was most important—knowing him as the true Messiah. Christians should focus on worshipping God in truth and in spirit. They should join their hearts and minds in a way that does not look at ethnicity, gender, intellectual and social position, denominational divides, and wealth. No matter what tensions are in society and culture, let us focus on what is most important—helping people know Jesus as Messiah and Saviour.