Digging Deeper: Living Sent, with a Purpose
3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water.
John 4:3-7a (ESV)
LIVING SENT, WITH A PURPOSE
Thus begins one of my favorite “Jesus encounters” in the Bible. As we continue in The Changemaker series, we see Jesus traveling to a specific place (living sent) to meet a specific person (with a purpose). Please indulge me for a few sentences as I set the stage for this Jesus encounter.
After the death of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the southern kingdom of Judah, founded by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (with Jerusalem as its capital), and the northern kingdom of Israel, founded by the remaining ten tribes (with Samaria as its capital). In the late 8th century BC, the Assyrians captured the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 17:6). Many upper-class Israelites were exiled to Assyria, while foreigners were brought in to settle among the remaining lower-class Israelites (2 Kings 17:24). Centuries of intermarriage created a mixed race—the Samaritans—who existed at the time of our story. Deep religious differences led to hostility between the Samaritans and the Jews.
The most direct route from Jerusalem, in the region of Judea, to Galilee (where Jesus spent much of His ministry) passed through Samaria. Most religious Jews took a longer, more arduous path, crossing the Jordan River twice to avoid Samaria altogether, doubling their travel time. However, Scripture notes that Jesus “had to pass through Samaria” on His way to Galilee (John 4:4). He had a purpose.
As our story begins, Jesus stops at Jacob’s well near the town of Sychar, located between the city of Samaria and Mount Gerizim. This was not a random rest stop on the highway; it was intentional and purposeful. Jesus was seeking someone who needed Him—someone who likely did not even realize they were lost (Luke 19:10). The Samaritan woman is about to meet a Changemaker who will not only transform her life but also impact countless others.
We, too, are called to be changemakers in the lives of others. Just before His final ascension into heaven, Jesus reminds His followers: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). I find it significant that Samaria is specifically mentioned. Jesus is reminding us that no one is unworthy of His grace and mercy. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open your eyes and touch your heart to see your own “Samaritan.”
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Romans 10:15b, cf. Isaiah 52:7).
Diggin Deeper (er):
2 Kings 17; Luke 19:10; Rom 10:13-15.
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.