Testimony and Toleranceনমুনা

Jesus and the Samaritan woman

In John 4:7-30, Jesus demonstrates his ability to overcome two prejudices of His day in His conversation with the Samaritan woman. Verse 9 explains that Jews do not associate with Samaritans. In addition, a rabbi would never speak to a woman in public.

Jesus was not afraid to speak up about sensitive matters in a conversation that was not in line with the social norms of the time: the married life of the woman (vv.16-18) and the superiority of revelation to the Jews over to the Samaritans (v.22).

The woman does not seem offended by these truths, which Jesus expressed frankly, so much so that she overcomes her difficulties in social relations with the people of her village to invite them to Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah? (v.29). The woman who came to the well at noon, when she was sure she would find no one, now goes out to meet her neighbors without fear!

In conclusion, Jesus shows respect for the person, even someone considered an outcast, without compromising the truth, even if it is uncomfortable.