What stories from the Old Testament does the reference to Jacob’s well evoke? Why is John alluding to them? How does this reversal of the motif of a young man meeting a woman at a well support the drama of this encounter in John?
What is the relationship between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman? How does the ironic disconnect between them work? How are they each understanding “living water”?
Does the presence or absence of the disciples of Jesus contribute anything to the story?
Applying the Text:
Does the character of the woman develop in the course of the story? What does she demonstrate for us about the importance of discussion, discernment, and transformation?
Does the prominence accorded to the Samaritan woman, as woman, reflect a concern of the Gospel generally? What do you think of its treatment of women? How should the church interpret this treatment of women today?
What does “worship in spirit and truth” suggest? How might we use this language in our own church communities?