Jesus in Samaria (John 4:4—42): A Model for Cross-Cultural Ministry

Abstract

The narrative of Jesus' missionary journey to Samaria in John 4:4—42 had implications for the first-century Johannine community as they, like Jesus at Jacob's well, encountered new situations and new cultures. This article proposes that it may hold different but analogous implications for the church in every age. A contextual approach shaped by modern missiology, cultural anthropology, and local/contextual theology highlights the text's sensitivity to ethnic identity, cultural and religious traditions, past history, prejudice, marginalization, differences in perspective, and human processes in faith development. Read in this light, the passage can provide a model for ministry across cultural barriers in a pluralistic world still crisscrossed by divisions.

Gender balance: A new lens for reading and studying the Bible, Part 2

“…O'Day 1995:565). However, Wyckoff (2005) notes the Johannine text possibly emphasises theological and cultural aspects rather than geography.…”

Relational Demography in John 4: Jesus Crossing Cultural Boundaries as Praxis for Christian Leadership

“…John’s illustration of Jesus’ ‘Had to’ attitude sends an imperative message for Christian leaders to cross geographic barriers both physically and mentally. Eric John Wykhoff (2005: 1) explains, ‘In this age of globalization, the church faces the challenge of ministering in a world increasingly shaped by immigration, exile, language barriers, marginalization, and the need to reach across prejudices old and new’. Kevin M. Chun et al, (2003) report that in many international organizations, expatriate employees lack acceptance by the dominant culture.…”

“…10.5). Wykhoff (2005) argues that this is the only pericope in the Fourth Gospel where Jesus is referred to as Ioudaios. Frederick Danker reports the term Ioudaios indicates ‘one who identifies with beliefs, rites, and customs of adherents of Israel’s Mosaic and prophetic condition’ (Danker, 2000: 478).…”

“…In the discussion of John 4, Biblical scholars have often used the words inclusiveness (Banks, 2008), unity (Taylor, 2008), equality (Beirne, 2003), otherness (Little, 2007) and multiculturalism (Wykhoff, 2005). Although these scholars attempt to depict Jesus’ acceptance of the Samaritan woman, these ambiguous terms do not encapsulate the significance of Jesus’ crossing cultural barriers as praxis for contemporary Christian leadership.…”