The Samaritans were part Jewish and part Gentile since the time of the northern kingdom captivity to Assyria. This led to mixed forms of worship like that performed on Mt Gerizim. Because of their mixed race and worship they were despised by the Jews. We need to understand the connection to her Jewish heritage though to understand the reverence given by this Samaritan woman to the well of Jacob. As we move further into the story we see that Jesus does not discriminate as to who can receive the message of the Gospel. This woman and her people, whom the Jews despise is offered living water by the Messiah.
The Gospel of Jesus is often accused of being exclusive in its claims and to some extent it is. Only through faith in Jesus can one be saved. But the Gospel is not discriminatory in who can believe. Anyone, no matter their background, their past, their prior unbelief, their prior false worship; anyone who is willing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah is welcomed into the Kingdom.
The disciples who are witnessing this harvest are blind to what is happening because they are not willing to see what is happening and so they concentrate on mundane needs like food for the body rather than food for the spirit. How often do we become blind to what God is doing because it doesn’t fit our notions of what should be happening. And then how do we find ourselves focused on the mundane workings rather than on the big picture, the harvest that is ripe and ready to be brought in?
One of the other observations between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is that he tells her who he is.. tells her of her past.. and she accepts him as a prophet.. He then declares Himself as the Messiah.. BUT even though she has had 5 husbands, which he says is adultry in the Sermon on the Mount, He does not cast her out or send her away or condenm her but agrees to stay and preach for 2 more days.. He also heals the “Royal Official’s” son without predjudice.. Jesus seems much more tolerable than many of us Christians….
The word is tolerant not tolerable…
Was Jesus tolerant of her sin, or was He intentionally calling it out when He asks her to go get her husband? Obviously Jesus knows the truth about her relationships and He doesn’t let it go without bringing it up. I think I might be more inclined to say that Jesus treated the woman gently or graciously. I know that when Jesus deals with me and my sins He is always convicting and at the same time offers me overwhelming grace.
BTW – I think Jesus is way more tolerable than many Christians, even non-Christians seem to say this, so maybe you had it right the first time.