John 4:4, a seemingly simple verse, states, “Now he had to go through Samaria.” This verse, nestled within the narrative of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, is more than just a geographical note. It’s a pivotal statement that reveals divine necessity and sets the stage for a profound theological encounter. Understanding the significance of John 4:4 unlocks deeper insights into Jesus’ mission, his disregard for societal barriers, and the inclusive nature of his salvation.
The Divine “Had To”: Necessity in John 4:4
The phrase “had to go through Samaria” isn’t casual. The Greek word “dei” used here signifies a divine necessity, a “must” that transcends mere preference or convenience. It implies that Jesus’ journey through Samaria was not accidental but divinely ordained. But why Samaria? Geographically, it wasn’t the most direct route from Judea to Galilee. Jewish travelers often circumvented Samaria to avoid contact with Samaritans, a group considered ritually impure and religiously heretical by many Jews.
However, Jesus, driven by divine purpose, chose to go directly through Samaria. This “had to” points towards several crucial aspects:
- Missionary Imperative: Jesus’ mission was to reach all people, not just the Jews. Samaria, often overlooked and marginalized, was a critical part of God’s plan of salvation. John 4:4 highlights Jesus’ proactive approach to seeking out the lost sheep of Israel, including those considered outcasts.
- Breaking Down Barriers: The division between Jews and Samaritans was deep-seated, rooted in historical, religious, and cultural differences. For Jesus to intentionally travel through Samaria was a deliberate act of breaking down these barriers. John 4:4 foreshadows his willingness to engage with those considered “outsiders” and to challenge societal norms.
- Setting the Stage for Encounter: The journey through Samaria was essential to reach Sychar and Jacob’s well, the location of his transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman. This meeting, central to John chapter 4, exemplifies Jesus’ method of personal evangelism and his ability to see beyond social labels to the individual’s spiritual need.
A depiction of Jesus sitting at Jacob’s well in Samaria, illustrating the setting of the encounter described in John 4:4 and subsequent verses.
Contextualizing John 4:4 within John Chapter 4
To fully grasp the weight of John 4:4, it’s important to consider its immediate context within John chapter 4. The preceding verses (John 4:1-3) explain Jesus’ departure from Judea due to the growing attention and potential conflict with the Pharisees. While avoiding unnecessary confrontation, Jesus doesn’t retreat from his mission. Instead, he strategically redirects his path through Samaria, turning a potential detour into a divine appointment.
Following John 4:4, the narrative unfolds with Jesus arriving at Jacob’s well, tired from his journey (John 4:6). This human detail emphasizes Jesus’ physical reality and makes his subsequent interaction with the Samaritan woman even more impactful. His weariness contrasts sharply with the spiritual energy and life-giving message he is about to impart.
The encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26) becomes the centerpiece of this chapter. It’s a masterclass in cross-cultural communication, theological dialogue, and personal revelation. Jesus’ conversation dismantles prejudices, addresses deep personal issues, and ultimately leads the woman to recognize him as the Messiah. This transformative encounter is directly enabled by the seemingly simple statement in John 4:4, “He had to go through Samaria.”
The Broader Significance of “Had To Go Through Samaria”
John 4:4 resonates beyond the immediate narrative. It provides a foundational principle for Christian mission and outreach:
- Intentionality in Mission: Just as Jesus intentionally went through Samaria, Christians are called to be intentional in their mission. This means going to places and people who might be overlooked, marginalized, or considered “different.” It requires moving beyond comfort zones and preconceived notions to reach those in need of the Gospel.
- Overcoming Prejudice and Division: The encounter in Samaria challenges the Church to confront and overcome prejudices and divisions that hinder the spread of the Gospel. Whether these divisions are based on race, ethnicity, social status, or religious background, John 4:4 reminds us that Jesus breaks down walls and calls us to do the same.
- Divine Appointments in Everyday Journeys: Jesus’ encounter at Jacob’s well happened during a seemingly ordinary journey. John 4:4 teaches us to be open to divine appointments in our daily lives. God can orchestrate encounters and opportunities for ministry even in the midst of our routine activities.
A photograph of Jacob’s Well in modern-day Nablus, West Bank, believed to be the site of the encounter in John 4 and a place of continued significance.
Conclusion: Embracing the “Had To” in Our Lives
John 4:4, “Now he had to go through Samaria,” is a powerful verse that unlocks a wealth of meaning in John chapter 4 and beyond. It reveals the divine necessity behind Jesus’ actions, his commitment to breaking down barriers, and his intentional pursuit of all people. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this “had to” in our own lives. We are challenged to intentionally go to places and people who need to hear the Gospel, to overcome prejudices that divide, and to be open to divine appointments along our own journeys. Reflecting on John 4:4 empowers us to participate more fully in Jesus’ mission of bringing living water to a thirsty world.
