Samaritan Woman at the Well, Part 5 (John 4:31–42 Meaning & Commentary)

Gospel of John
Written By Jason Elder

Quick Summary

In John 4:31–42, the story concludes with two parallel movements: the disciples learn that Jesus’ true food is doing the will of the Father, and the Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony and their own encounter with him. The harvest has begun, and the mission of Jesus expands beyond expected boundaries.

Introduction

This final section brings the Samaritan woman’s story full circle. While the disciples urge Jesus to eat, he redefines nourishment as obedience to God’s mission. Meanwhile, the townspeople respond to the woman’s invitation and come to see for themselves. Their confession—“this is truly the Savior of the world”—is one of the most powerful affirmations in John’s Gospel.

Here the themes of mission, testimony, and belief converge. The Samaritan woman has moved from isolation to evangelist, and her community now steps into faith. The disciples are challenged to lift their eyes and see a harvest that reaches beyond Israel. Together, the story points to the expansive scope of the Gospel.

John 4:31–34

“Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’ But he said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’ So the disciples said to one another, ‘Surely no one has brought him something to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.’” (John 4:31–34)

The disciples are focused on physical needs. They urge Jesus to eat, but he uses the moment to teach that true nourishment comes from fulfilling God’s mission. His food is obedience. This echoes Deuteronomy 8:3: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Just as the woman left her water jar behind, Jesus points his disciples beyond immediate needs to eternal purposes. Doing the Father’s will is what sustains him. This challenges us to see our lives not just in terms of provision but in terms of calling.

John 4:35–38

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more, then comes the harvest’? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” (John 4:35–38)

Jesus reframes their perspective. They think in agricultural timelines—waiting four months for harvest. But Jesus tells them the fields are already ripe. The arrival of the Samaritans themselves may have been visible in that moment, a living parable of spiritual harvest.

This teaching links the work of sowers and reapers. John the Baptist sowed, the prophets sowed, and now the disciples reap. Mission is always collaborative and generational. Jesus invites his followers to see themselves as part of God’s ongoing work of salvation that transcends time and borders.

John 4:39–42

“Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.’” (John 4:39–42)

The woman’s testimony sparks belief, but it is encounter with Jesus himself that confirms it. The Samaritans invite him to stay, and their faith deepens as they hear his word. Their confession—“Savior of the world”—is extraordinary. It moves beyond Jewish expectation of a national Messiah to embrace the global scope of salvation.

This conclusion circles back to the theme of living water. What began with one woman’s thirst ends with a community satisfied in Christ. The marginalized become the firstfruits of a harvest that points to the worldwide mission of the church, foreshadowed in Revelation 7:9.

John 4:31–42 Meaning for Today

This passage challenges us to rethink what truly sustains us. Food and water matter, but Jesus shows that obedience to God’s will gives life its deepest nourishment. We are called to find joy and fulfillment in aligning with God’s purposes.

It also reminds us that mission is collaborative. Some sow, others reap, but all share in the harvest. None of us brings the kingdom alone. We step into work that others have begun, and others will complete what we cannot.

Finally, this text calls us to see the breadth of the Gospel. The Samaritans’ confession—“Savior of the world”—reminds us that Jesus is not bound by one people or place. His grace reaches across boundaries, cultures, and generations. Like the woman, we are called to bear witness. Like the Samaritans, we are called to confess and believe.

FAQ: John 4:31–42

What does Jesus mean that his food is to do God’s will?
He is teaching that obedience to God’s mission is his true sustenance and source of strength.

What is the meaning of the harvest imagery?
It illustrates that the mission is already bearing fruit and that disciples are joining in work that others have prepared.

Why is the Samaritan confession significant?
It expands the understanding of Messiah from a Jewish hope to a global Savior for all people.

How do sowers and reapers work together?
Some proclaim and prepare, others gather and disciple, but all share in the joy of God’s mission.

Sources / Further Reading

  • Raymond E. Brown, John (AYB), John 4

  • D. A. Carson, John (PNTC), John 4

  • Gail R. O’Day, John (NIB), John 4

  • Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of John, John 4

  • Andreas J. Köstenberger, John (BECNT), John 4

Related Content

Jason Elder

https://www.pastorjasonelder.com
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John 3:22-36 – John the Baptist Testifies About Jesus
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Samaritan Woman at the Well, Part 4 (John 4:27–30 Meaning & Commentary)