What does John 4:17 mean?
The Samaritan woman had come to the well alone, during a hot and unpleasant time of day, to draw water. One would have expected her to come at a cooler time, and / or with other women. More than likely, given what Jesus reveals here, the other women in town wanted nothing to do with her.In prior verses, Jesus began explaining the "living water" He could offer her. And yet, when this woman first asked for it, He instead asked for her husband. Jesus knew that she didn't understand the message yet and wasn't ready for the gospel. Like seeds on hard soil, something needed to break open before truth could take root (Matthew 13:20–21).
So, Christ has two reasons to ask this question. First is to expose the woman to her own sin and to acknowledge the cultural shame she bore, to make her aware of her need. The second is to point out that, despite knowing about her sin and destitution, God still seeks people like her.
Her answer to Jesus is the shortest of her responses in the story. Even so, she is careful to phrase her answer in vague and unspecific terms. She simply denies having a husband. Jesus will fill in the rest of the details Himself.
John 4:5–26 describes one of the most famous moments in Jesus' earthly ministry. Here, He converses with a Samaritan woman. She is not only an ''unclean'' Samaritan, but also an outcast among her own people. At first, she attempts to avoid Jesus' teachings. Her answers suggest a clever mind, but they are also flippant and sarcastic. Despite that, and despite knowing all about her sin, Jesus encourages her with the love of God. This breaks through her hard heart; as a result, many others are brought to meet Christ. The disciples are also taught a valuable lesson about the purpose of their mission.
Jesus speaks to a Samaritan woman who is drawing water from a well. He confronts her about sin, yet He also comforts her with the truth of the gospel. Even though He knows her sins, He still seeks after her, and those like her. The woman returns to town, eventually bringing many people to meet Jesus. The disciples, meanwhile, are reminded of the purpose of their mission. Jesus also heals the son of a government official in a way that demonstrates the importance of trusting faith, rather than reliance on spectacle.
