Day 21 – Samaria: The Place Jesus Must Visit

“Jesus had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4)

Geography helps us understand this story:

In Jesus’ day there were three regions stacked on top of one another. There was Galilee in the north, Samaria in the middle, and Judea in the south. The easiest and quickest way to get to Galilee from Judea was to go due north right through Samaria. Jesus according to John 4:4 said that He “had need to” go through Samaria. Lord why? Because He didn’t need go through because there was another way. Matter of fact, the more pious Jews would go east cross over the Jordan River, enter the region of Perea, then go north, and re-cross the Jordan River. Then they would be in Galilee. This was completely out of the way, but it meant that they did have to through Samarian territory.

So, why does Jesus “have to” go through Samaria when the Jews either did not go there at all or if they had to pass that way they traveled as quickly as they could. The answer is both simple and profound: Jesus went because He intended to meet with the woman at the well. He knew precisely the time she would be coming to the well and that He would be seated on the well when she arrived. Nothing happens by chance in this story. God has worked out every detail, and all went according to His plan. Let us be clear, the woman was not looking to meet Jesus. All she wanted was to draw her water and fill her pots because it was in the heat of the day. But Jesus is looking for her. If you are looking for Samaria, then a good place to go is Samaria. He does not hurry through Samaria. He is seated on the well. She does not know it, but she has a “divine appointment” with the Son of God. The principle important for evangelism is shown greatly here. Yes, it is true, reaching people for Christ is not always comfortable and at times it may be downright difficult. If we want to reach sinners, we will have to go where sinners hang out. Comfort is not the issue. The Firefighter goes in the burning house to rescue those inside. He can’t stand outside the burning house and shout, “Come on out before the house burns down.” Jesus intended to save this woman, so He went to where she was.

He never takes the easy way out. He didn’t pander to the prevailing Jewish prejudice against the Samaritans. He “had to” go through Samaria because He wanted to reach this one woman, and through her, reach her village.

What a great Savior we have! He loves the people the world loves to hate.

Thank You, Lord, for caring enough to find us when we were far from you. God, please give me(us) a heart for the lost. Amen!