John 4:4 – “Now he had to go through Samaria.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is simple but full of meaning. Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee, and John tells us that “he had to go through Samaria.” On a basic level, this describes his travel route, but there is something deeper at play.

Most Jews traveling between Judea and Galilee would avoid Samaria altogether, taking a longer route east across the Jordan River to bypass the region. The reason? Jews and Samaritans had a long history of hostility, and most Jews wanted nothing to do with Samaritans.

But Jesus didn’t follow these social norms. The phrase “had to” suggests more than just geography—it points to divine necessity. Jesus wasn’t taking this route because it was the only option. He was taking it because he had a mission. He had an appointment with a Samaritan woman at a well, and through that conversation, he would reveal himself as the Messiah.

Jesus’ journey through Samaria was not accidental. It was intentional. He was showing that God’s love and salvation were for all people, not just the Jews.

Historical Context

To understand why this verse is significant, it’s important to know about the deep divide between Jews and Samaritans.

• The Division: The Samaritans were a mixed group of people, partly descended from Jews who had intermarried with foreigners after the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel around 722 B.C. Because of this, the Jews considered the Samaritans to be impure and often treated them with contempt.
• Religious Differences: Samaritans believed in the first five books of the Bible (the Torah), but they rejected the rest of the Jewish Scriptures. They also had their own temple on Mount Gerizim instead of worshiping in Jerusalem.
• Social Avoidance: Most Jews would go out of their way to avoid traveling through Samaria, even if it meant taking a longer and more difficult route.

By choosing to go through Samaria, Jesus was breaking cultural barriers and showing that God’s love wasn’t confined to one group of people.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches an important truth: God’s plan often leads us to places we wouldn’t naturally choose to go. Jesus “had to” go through Samaria because it was part of God’s mission.

It also highlights the inclusiveness of the Gospel. Jesus did not come only for the religious elite or for those who were socially accepted. He came for everyone—including those who had been rejected or looked down upon. This theme is seen throughout his ministry, as he often reached out to sinners, tax collectors, and others who were considered outsiders.

This moment also points to the bigger picture of God’s kingdom. While the Jews and Samaritans had centuries of division, Jesus was breaking down that wall. Later, after his resurrection, the Gospel would spread to Samaritans and eventually to the whole world (Acts 1:8).

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel is full of intentional wording, and this verse is no exception. The phrase “had to” (Greek: edei) is often used in Scripture to describe something that is necessary according to God’s will, not just human plans.

This verse also serves as a transition. It moves the story from Jesus’ departure from Judea to his encounter with the Samaritan woman. It prepares the reader for what is about to happen—a moment of deep significance where Jesus reveals his identity as the Messiah to an unlikely audience.

Biblical Cross-References

1. Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells his disciples that they will be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
2. Ephesians 2:14 – Paul explains that Jesus has broken down the dividing wall between different groups of people.
3. Luke 9:51-56 – Jesus passes through a Samaritan village, and his disciples want to call down fire on them, but Jesus rebukes them.
4. John 3:16 – Jesus came to offer salvation to the whole world, not just a select group.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges believers to step outside their comfort zones. Just as Jesus went to a place that most Jews avoided, Christians are called to reach out to those who are often overlooked, rejected, or marginalized.

It also reminds us that God’s plans may take us on unexpected paths. Sometimes, obedience to God means going somewhere we wouldn’t naturally choose, whether that’s a physical location or a difficult situation in life.

Additionally, this verse teaches that the Gospel is for everyone. No one is too far from God’s reach. Jesus’ decision to go through Samaria shows that he cares about every person, regardless of background or reputation.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is not limited by human divisions. The world often separates people by race, culture, class, or background, but God’s love crosses all boundaries. By going through Samaria, Jesus demonstrated that God does not reject people based on their past or their nationality.

This verse also shows that God actively pursues people. Jesus didn’t wait for the Samaritan woman to come to him—he went to her. In the same way, God seeks us out, drawing us to himself and offering us the living water of salvation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the Savior of all people, not just the Jews. His decision to go through Samaria foreshadows his greater mission—to bring salvation to the entire world.

Later in the New Testament, we see this theme continue as the Gospel spreads beyond the Jewish people:

• Luke 19:10 – Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost.”
• Matthew 28:19 – Jesus commands his followers to make disciples of all nations.
• Romans 10:12-13 – Paul declares that there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Jesus’ decision to go through Samaria tell us about God’s heart for all people?
2. Have there been times in your life when God led you to an unexpected place or situation for His purpose?
3. How can this verse challenge us to reach out to people who are different from us?
4. In what ways does this verse prepare us for the story of the Samaritan woman?
5. What does this verse teach us about breaking down barriers in our own relationships and communities?

This short verse carries a powerful message. Jesus “had to” go through Samaria—not because of geography, but because of mission. He was showing that God’s love has no boundaries, that salvation is for all people, and that sometimes following God means stepping into places we might naturally avoid. Through this one decision, Jesus opened the door for a whole community to hear the truth and experience the love of God.