John's interjection in verse 9, "For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans," in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42) serves several crucial purposes within the narrative and within the broader context of John's Gospel:
* Highlights the Unexpectedness of the Encounter: The comment underscores just how remarkable and transgressive Jesus's conversation with the woman is. By stating the norm of separation, John emphasizes the social barrier that Jesus is deliberately crossing. This makes Jesus's action more impactful and forces the reader to recognize its significance. It emphasizes that Jesus is breaking down the existing social barriers.
* Demonstrates Jesus's Transcending of Social Barriers: Jesus, in this encounter, challenges and overcomes deeply ingrained social and religious prejudices. By engaging in conversation with the Samaritan woman, asking her for a drink, and offering her "living water," he is defying the established custom of separation between Jews and Samaritans. This underscores Jesus's message of inclusivity and universal salvation.
* Prepares the Reader for the Woman's Surprise and Questioning: The comment helps the reader understand the woman's astonishment. She is not only surprised that a Jewish man would speak to her at all, but also that he would ask her for a drink, given the ritual impurity associated with Samaritans in Jewish belief. This sets the stage for her questions and the subsequent theological discussion.
* Sets the Context for the Disciples' Reaction: Later in the passage (verse 27), the disciples return and are surprised to find Jesus talking to a woman. John's earlier comment helps the reader understand their confusion and potential disapproval, given the social norms of the time.
* Illustrates the Universal Scope of Salvation: One of the central themes of John's Gospel is that salvation is offered to all, not just to the Jews. The encounter with the Samaritan woman is a key example of this. By emphasizing the divide between Jews and Samaritans, John underscores the radical nature of Jesus's message and the fact that salvation is available even to those considered "outsiders."
* A Subtle Critique: Some scholars suggest that this comment could be a subtle critique by John of the Jewish community's exclusivity. While not explicitly stated, the juxtaposition of the exclusionary practice of the Jews with Jesus's inclusive actions might be interpreted as a gentle rebuke.
* Historical Context: The comment provides some historical context. While the reader might not be fully aware of the specifics of the relationship between Jews and Samaritans, the statement indicates that there was a significant separation and a history of animosity.
In summary, John's interjection is not merely a descriptive statement but a deliberate narrative device that amplifies the significance of Jesus's actions and prepares the reader to understand the complex dynamics at play in the encounter with the Samaritan woman. It highlights Jesus's radical inclusivity, sets the scene for the woman's surprise and the disciples' reaction, and underscores the universal scope of salvation in John's Gospel.