Chapter 3 is perhaps the most important chapter in the entire Bible, for it deals with the new birth. The necessity of a person being born-again is explained so directly in verses 1-7. Then, perhaps, the greatest verse in the Bible, verse 16, tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.".
The setting for our reading in chapter 4 is in the beautiful area of Samaria, the city of Sychar. In that city there was a well that provided water for the people. In order for us to understand the full meaning of these verses we must know the background between the Samaritans and the Jewish people. They would have nothing to do with each other. The Jews considered the Samaritans lesser people than they. That is why the Samaritan woman was astonished when Jesus asked her for a drink.
This woman had had five husbands and was now living with a man who was not her husband. We should note the compassion and understanding shown by the Saviour for this sinful woman. The disciples marvelled that Jesus spoke to her. Yet He loved her with a love beyond human understanding; he forgave her of all her sins. What happened? She began to tell everyone of the change in her life, and of the man who had forgiven her sins. Many were saved because of her testimony.
