Nicodemus and the Samaritan Woman
[By Kathleen Chatot]

The story of Nicodemus, in John 3:1-21, and the Samaritan, in John 4:1-27, are worth looking into with the focus on comparing the two, because of the many similarities and differences.

We have two extended conversations of Jesus with individuals in close proximity. The stories probably are meant to be read side by side.

In both, Jesus’ knowledge of them is a theme. With regard to Nicodemus, in the set up to the conversation it says, “But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them [partial believers like Nicodemus], because He knew all people, and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind” (Jn 2:24-25, NASB). With regard to the woman, He knew of her various relationships with men, including her current sinful one – 4:16-18.

Both Nicodemus and the woman begin by misunderstanding Jesus in an overly literal way. He took “born from above” as born again, a literal physical rebirth (3:4); she took “living water” as another natural water source better than Jacob’s well (4:12, 15). There is some similar content as well: in both, Jesus talks about the Spirit–being born of the Spirit with Nicodemus, and the living water of the Spirit with the woman. In both, Jesus speaks of eternal life.

So, there are plenty of indicators that these stories are meant to be compared together.

When one does compare the two stories there are a series of clear contrasts between them:

To begin with the obvious – 1. He was a man. She was a woman. In that day men were favored and teachers normally didn’t even talk to women.

2. He is named. She is not. His name, Nicodemus, is given. She is simply “a woman of Samaria” (4:7).

3. He was a Jew. She was a Samaritan. He was part of the “Right” group, whereas she was a part of a despised group with wrong beliefs and practices.

4. He was righteous. She was a sinner. He was a Pharisee and they were known for being devout. She was living with a man who was not her husband.

5. He was honored. She was an outcast. He was a ruler and enjoyed a high place in society. She was by herself at the well most likely she was rejected by other women.

6. He was educated. She was uneducated. Jesus calls him teacher.

So, he has everything going for him; the cream of the crop. She has nothing going for her; she is the bottom of the barrel; an outcast from the outcast people. Clearly the expectation is that Nicodemus is the one that will respond to Jesus as they converse together; he is the one who will get it.

But the reality turns out to be quite different.

This is already foreshadowed by the mention of the time of day when these conversations take place, for light and dark are symbolic in John’s gospel.

She came to the well “about the sixth hour” or at noon (4:6). He “came to Jesus by night” (3:2).

She makes no claim to know who Jesus is, but ends up knowing plenty by the end. He, Nicodemus, thinks he knows a few things about Jesus, but is admonished. He said to Jesus, “we know that you are a teacher from God” (3:2).  But Jesus said, “you are a teacher of Israel and do not understand these things (3:10)? He got shot down!!!

She misunderstands at first, but recovers. Her questions become more focused and Jesus engages with her and answers her. He never recovers from misunderstanding. He asks “How” questions that reveal his astonishment and inability to follow what Jesus is saying.

She remains active in conversation. She came to almost hold your own with Jesus. He fades out of the conversation (3:2,4,9).

She progresses in her understanding of Jesus. She first saw Jesus as a Jew and called Him, “sir.” Then she perceived Him to be a “prophet.” Then He declares to her that He is the Christ. Nicodemus makes no progress and is frustrated.

She becomes a disciple doing the Lord’s work (4:39). Nicodemus does not believe yet. As Jesus said, “you do not receive our testimony” (3:11); and “you do not believe, (3:12).

She brings others from her community to faith in Jesus.  Nicodemus does not. 

She is the one who responds correctly to Jesus. Although she is a lowly one from a lowly people, she’s the one who gets it!!!

Jesus being the “Master Teacher”, teaches us by His compassion and love, that we should never write others off as beyond God’s mercy and redeeming grace. Just like Jesus said in Matt. 9:13, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”