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Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well
Gold leaf
and tempera on wood
Statement:
Only the Gospel of John tells the story of Jesus and the
Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:4-40). Yet it is one of
the longest and most memorable in the New Testament. Named
“Photine” (“the luminous one”) in the Orthodox tradition, this
woman has, as we say, a history. No shrinking violet, she
both challenges and listens intently to Jesus. Then she does
not hesitate to act, bringing her friends from town to see and
hear this amazing man. In her words and actions, she
exemplifies prayer. She talks, questions, and
argues—literally, with God! And isn’t that what prayer so
often is? Then she is wise enough to accept, not what she
thought she wanted, but the much greater gift God wants to
give her. |
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