The Harvest is Ripe

Jesus had been baptising in the Judean countryside (John 3:22), while John was baptising further north in Aenon. After John recognised that Jesus’ ministry was growing beyond his own and made the beautiful decision to step back and put Jesus first, Jesus became aware that the Pharisees had noticed this shift as well (John 4:1–2). His ministry was now drawing even more attention.

Remember what baptism signified? It was a way for people to identify with the person and mission of Jesus. His early followers were baptising as a sign of that identification. Jesus now gathers his followers and begins the journey north to Galilee—but first, he must pass through Samaria. Take a moment to look at a map and get your bearings. Let's follow him into the town of Sychar.

Questions from your reading

• What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ priorities?
• What is Jesus modelling in this encounter?
• Where do you see his humanity on display?
• What other questions do you still have?

Reflecting on your reading

In Jesus’ day, there was deep prejudice and hatred toward the Samaritan people. Did you notice the woman’s surprised reaction? She said, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (John 4:9). The context is important—Jews didn’t associate with Samaritans.

This hostility traces back to when the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, exiling its ten tribes (2 Kings 17:6). They repopulated the region with other conquered peoples (2 Kings 17:24), and priests from Israel were sent back to teach these newcomers about “the God of the land” (2 Kings 17:27–33). These new inhabitants adopted a blended form of worship centred on Mt Gerizim and followed only the five books of Moses.

Later, when the southern tribes returned from Babylonian exile and sought to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, the Samaritans opposed them (Ezra 4:1–6, 24). Over time, this created deep animosity—both sides claimed to be the true preservers of God's word and way. That tension persisted into Jesus’ day (Luke 9:51–53; John 8:48), and it remains in that region today—a reminder of how division and racism can endure across generations.

In this story, Jesus breaks two powerful taboos. He speaks with a Samaritan, and he speaks with a woman. Women were often overlooked or mistreated in that society. So when Jesus engages in conversation with her, it's no wonder both the woman and the disciples are surprised (John 4:9, 27).

Jesus also shows his humanity—he is tired, thirsty and hungry. He asks the woman for water and sends his disciples for food. But in this moment, he also clearly states his mission: “My food... is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34).

This raises a powerful point. Jesus later wrestles with the Father's will in the Garden of Gethsemane, eventually surrendering to it: “...yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). The will of the Father was for Jesus to die on the cross. But what was his work?

In John 17:4, Jesus says, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” He says this before the crucifixion—so the work must involve more than dying. If Jesus’ only purpose had been the cross, why not die at age 12, 18 or 25? Why wait until around 33?

Because the work involved preparing people—disciples—who could carry the message of his death and resurrection across the world. That’s what he spent those years doing. And that’s what this study is all about: learning how to make disciples. Before Jesus left, he said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). God has both a will for you—and a work.

Applying what you’ve read

There is work to do. Every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19). And like Jesus, each one must also do the will of the Father—to die. Not physically, but to self. To let Jesus live through us.

Paul captured it beautifully:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

This is the secret of a victorious life—Jesus living through us.

This story also offers a model for sharing Jesus with those from other backgrounds or religions. Notice how the conversation begins—Jesus places himself in a position of need. He asks for water. He doesn’t begin by telling the woman who he is, but by inviting her help.

That’s a key principle for sharing faith: begin in humility. Let others help, and then be ready to offer what their souls truly need. That’s the way of Jesus.