João 4

João 4

Utley comments -There is a purposeful structure in chapters 3 and 4 - (1) mister religious (Nicodemus) vs. miss outcast (woman at the well) and (2) Jerusalem-based Judaism (Orthodox) vs. Samaritan Judaism (heretical) (John 4 Commentary) McGarvey notes that this text breaks down three formidable walls: (1) racial prejudice; (2) gender — Jesus endorses this woman's fitness to receive spiritual instruction and even her suitability to announce his presence and position; (3) moral rectitude. Jesus has indeed come to save the least and the lost. D A Carson has an interesting observation in comparison of the present chapter with the previous chapters - The connections between this account and the preceding chapters occur at several levels. Water symbolism continues (cf.Jn 2:6; Jn 3:5; Jn 4:10ff.). Jesus continues a series of dialogues, in each of which he discloses himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and institutions, as understood by highly orthodox Judaism (represented by Nicodemus, Jn 3:1ff.) or by circles widely viewed as flawed and even heterodox (represented by the Samaritans, Jn 4:1ff.). (BORROW The Gospel according to John) Therefore when -