NOTES for Joh 4:1-26
In speaking with the Samaritan woman, Christ acts not only unusually by the standards and customs of that time but, at first glance, illogically. He addresses a woman belonging to a religious group that had broken away from the mainstream, and who was not respected even among her own people—as is already suggested by her having to come for water at the hottest time of day, when there is usually no one at the well. Yet it is she, not the acknowledged spiritual leaders, confident in their own righteousness and 'steadfastly adhering to principles,' who is capable of hearing His words. Those whom people despise often turn out to be closer to God.
The schism between Jews and Samaritans prefigured all later schisms in the Church, and Christ comes to overcome it. His conversation with the Samaritan woman can therefore be called the first manifestation of ecumenism. Not the kind that throws disparate beliefs together on the principle 'you are right, and so are you; and you, my wife, are right too,' but ecumenism as the restoration of unity among brothers who have gone separate ways. Christ tells the Samaritan woman about the circumstances of her life, in effect exposing her sin, but this does not disconcert her. Now we see that His choice of her as a conversation partner was no accident: confronted with the Stranger's insight, she does not waste time on the questions usually put to fortune-tellers and diviners. The question that concerns her is about the principles of worshiping God.
In revealing to the Samaritan woman the meaning of true worship of the heavenly Father, which will be in spirit and truth, Christ does not deny the historical paths of coming to know God. Even as He breaks through the barrier between Jews and Samaritans, He emphasizes that salvation comes from the Jews. Moreover, in this very statement He identifies Himself with the Jews: 'we know what we worship.' The desire for unity with others does not mean abandoning the authentic values of one's own tradition; on the contrary, it presupposes their preservation.