1. John 4 The Woman of Samaria
Context – John was not yet cast into Prison – Jn 3
Jesus chose to travel directly North – There was to be no avoidance – Did he try this any other time? Luke 9v51-56
V.5 Jacob bought one parcel of land Gen 33v19; Josh 24v32

2. The Woman of Samaria

3. The Samaritan History
The inscription of Sargon II records the deportation of a relatively small proportion of the Israelites (27,290, according to the annals), so it is quite possible that a sizable population remained that could identify themselves as Israelites, the term that the Samaritans prefer for themselves.
Because of persecution at the bloody repression of the Third Samaritan Revolt (529 CE) against the Byzantine Christian rulers and the mass conversion to Islam in the Early Muslim period of Palestine, the population decreased from more than a million in Roman times to just 712 people today (2007).
In a 2004 article on the genetic ancestry of the Samaritans, Shen, et al. concluded from a sample comparing Samaritans to several Jewish populations, all currently living in Israel …. the principal components analysis suggested a common ancestry of Samaritan and Jewish lineages.

4. The Samaritan Religion
Samaritans claim their worship is the true religion of the ancient Israelites prior to the Babylonian Exile, preserved by those who remained in the Land of Israel, as opposed to Judaism, which they assert is a related but altered and amended religion brought back by the exiled returnees.
The Samaritans …. derive their name not from this geographical designation, but rather from the Hebrew term שַמֶרִים, "Keepers [of the Law]".
According to Samaritans, it was on Mount Gerizim that Abraham offered Isaac.
The Scripture tells us that the people were mixed and there was a strong similarity in Beliefs 2Ki 17: “…. They feared the LORD and served their own gods, according to the custom of the nations whom they removed from there.”

5. The Samaritan Religion
Religious beliefs
There is one God, the same God recognized by the Hebrew prophets.
The Torah was given by God to Moses.
Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem, is the one true sanctuary chosen by Israel's God.
Many Samaritans believe that at the end of days, the dead will be resurrected by Taheb, a restorer (possibly a prophet, some say Moses).
They believe in Paradise (heaven).
The priests are the interpreters of the law and the keepers of tradition; scholars are secondary to the priesthood.
The authority of classical Jewish rabbinical works (the Talmud, comprising the Mishnah and the Gemara) is rejected.
They have a significantly different version of the Ten Commandments (for example, their 10th commandment is about the sanctity of Mount Gerizim).

6. John 4 The Woman of Samaria
V.6 There is no record of a well being dug – but it may have been.
6th Hour ?? Why mention it? – It was the hot – she was desperate for water.
V.9 “….The Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans…”
The Northern 10 Tribes “Sinned” and set up false worship
Hezekiah sent to invite them back – some responded Luke 2v36
Some (27,290) were taken captive and the land repopulated
When the Jews returned the Samaritans offered to help with the temple, but their offer was refused Ezra 4v1-4 – now enemies

7. John 4 The Woman of Samaria
What changed in the Jews religion during the Captivity?
The Synagogue System
The concept of 'Abraham's Bosom' and 'Hell'
Talmud – commenced around Ezra's time – Ez 8v8
613 commands from the Law
Mishna – the expansion of the Law
The High Priesthood was a 'Bought' position
Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees
To the Samaritans the Jewish Religion seemed corrupted

8. John 4 The Woman of Samaria
V Theological discussion with the woman
Living water offered – v11-12 – A question of authority – are you greater than Jacob? – Jesus avoids authority, but offers eternity – what implications are there for our preaching?
Jesus changes in the woman’s mind from ‘A Jew’ (v9), to ‘Sir’ (v11), to ‘A prophet’ (v19), to ‘Messiah – Christ’ (v25, 42)
Styles of Preaching
Theology v10-26
Prophesy v 16-19
Personal v7-10
Testimonial v 29-30, 39
Scriptural Authority v 41-42

9. The Woman of Samaria The Ecclesia of Samaria
Christ’s message took hold in this city.
Act 1:8 and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria.
Act 8:1 …. At that time a great persecution arose against the church …. regions of Judea and Samaria.
Act 8:5,9,14 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.
Act 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace
Act 15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles