The Bible and the English Major / Season 2
The Woman at the Well (John 4, Genesis 16, Genesis 29, Ezekiel 47)
Contrary to what some believe, the women of the bible come pre-packaged with some God-ordained feist. Take, for example, the longest conversation in the Gospel of John, which occurs between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. The two have nothing in common, but the joyful banter between them bubbles up like the life-giving water Jesus offers. The Samaritan woman turns out to be a theologian, just like the Hagar of Genesis John alludes to.
We conclude our series on John 4 with a conversation with Pastor and Spiritual Director DanaLee Simon. DanaLee and Maren use their spiritual imaginations to explore the mysteries of the Samaritan woman's story. Then DanaLee introduces us to spiritual direction practices to help us soak up some good Living Water.
An angelic tour guide takes the prophet, Ezekiel, on a trippy journey through a restored temple gushing with Living Water. John clearly digs the imagery because he uses it over six centuries later in his story of the Woman at the Well to reveal God's groovy side. Right on, Holy Spirit!
Gospel writer John knows a thing or two about romance. His Woman at the Well story contains the same juicy narrative elements as Rachel and Jacob's betrothal in Genesis 29. Scandalous, you say? Just like the extravagant love of God.
Hagar and the Samaritan woman talk theology at a watering hole and discover they share intriguing similarities. To find out why, we'll eavesdrop on their conversation, inspect John's motives for writing, and even uncover an ancient (chiastic) pyramid. Get ready to dig.
God sees and honors Hagar, a woman used and abused by Abraham and Sarah. This episode is in honor of those we refuse to see.
Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well have a blast trading names, theology, and Messianic revelation. She's filled with Living Water, Jesus is filled with satisfaction, and as usual, the disciples are filled with confusion.
Welcome to this new series! This mini-episode is a personal introduction to the story of The Samaritan Woman at the Well. I love this story because of its joyful tone and the connection between Jesus and the Woman. It's so fun to be liked, isn't it?